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Let's build the better world together

Mary Nelson’s Youth Center is a leading force in the greater Syracuse area – inspiring youth to embrace their true identity while unleashing their inner potential. Our programs help our youth shape their own values, while providing them with all the tools, resources and support they need in order to evolve into confident leaders tomorrow. We welcome you to learn more about how we make a difference in children’s lives.

Get To Know Our Corporate Sponsors
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Make a difference today

Become a volunteer

VOLUNTEER TO HELP AT THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BARBEQUE.  SPONSORSHIP IS NEEDED AND GREATLY APPRECIATED 

Donation Shopping List

If your looking to donate to our annual backpack giveaway and not sure what to get, use these shopping lists below!

 
Become a Sponsor

Read more about the sponsors that have supported our cause, and see what makes them special.

For many years, our signature event has connected people from the community and we invite you to join us as a volunteer or attend the next one on
August 20, 2022, 11 am til 6 pm!

21ST ANNUAL SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY

Get to Know Us

Mary Nelson organized the first Back-to-School Barbeque 19 years ago as part of an effort to reduce violence in her neighborhood. Besides the school supplies, she treated children and their families to a full-scale outdoor barbeque. Mary wanted to do something about the violence affecting children in the community. In 2002, the first year the event was held, there were 850 youths and their parents in attendance. Every year thereafter, the event has grown in record numbers. Every year our community is unified together to make sure our children were ready for the upcoming school year, we collected the backpacks and school supplies.

 

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Commited to enriching the lives of youth and family

Our goals are to shape the way they live their lives and teach them the fundamentals of social responsibility, healthy living and cultural acceptance. Curious to find out more about us and how you can get involved? Browse our website and get in touch with us today.

 
Oprah Winfrey visits Mary Nelson Youth Center
Oprah Winfrey offers $100,000 to the Mary Nelson Youth Center on Syracuse's South Side during a surprise visit.
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Upcoming Events

Monday’s of Each Week
*Limit 50 diapers per month.

Our BIG annual backpack giveaway is every August.

Our Next Event Will Be August 17th, 2024!

We also distribute these school supply loaded backpacks year-round!

Check out our Donation Shopping List for ideas.

The Mary Nelson’s Youth Center
2849 S. Salina Street
Syracuse, NY 13205

December 23rd 2023 Nottingham High School
SIGN UP IS CLOSED! 

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

MAKING A DIFFERENCE ONE CHILD AT A TIME

At the Mary Nelson Youth Center, we strive to empower the lives of youth in the Syracuse community through our variety of programs. Our Educational activities and tutoring programs are designed to provide our youth with all the tools they need to be great leaders tomorrow. We are happy to be the driving force behind the development of our children, and hope to continue making a difference in their lives.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

SHAPING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW

Since 2002, we have contributed to the development of children and families in the greater Syracuse area through our wide range of programs geared towards fighting the “war on poverty”. Our resource and referral programs are centered on helping families to become self sufficient.

ADULT SERVICES

BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE

We care about our young adults and parents of the community, we provide them with a number of enrichment programs career services and entrepreneurial support. Our Young Adults & Adult Day Programs  provide participants with computer access, resume writing assistance and other related services. Come experience it for yourself today!

Our photo gallery

Curious to find out more about us and how you can get involved?

Our goals is to shape the way they live their lives and teach them the fundamentals of social responsibility, healthy living and cultural acceptance.