Friends of Longmont Youth

Friends of Longmont Youth (FLY) originated in August 1999 at the Youth Services Advisory Board (YSAB) Annual Retreat. YSAB, an adult advisory board to the Longmont City Council, sought to establish a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit to provide fundraising support for the Longmont Youth Center's services and programs.

The organization was formally established with its federal 501(c)3 nonprofit status approved on September 18, 2001, and began its first fiscal year on January 1, 2002.

In 2010, the name was changed from Friends of Longmont Youth Center to Friends of Longmont Youth to broaden its impact and support youth services across City of Longmont programming.

Key Details:

• Mission: To enhance the services and programs of the City of Longmont Children, Youth, and Families, and specifically the Youth Center and Youth Center programming, through fundraising activities and volunteer support.

Friends of Longmont Youth (FLY) has a strong track record of providing direct financial and material support to enhance youth programs and opportunities, and to support community-wide events focused on youth and family engagement.

Here is a summarized and reworded list of their key accomplishments:

Youth Center Enhancements- Funded several significant renovations and improvements to the Longmont Youth Center facility.

Youth Initiatives- Provided 100% financial support for youth in the Ride the Rockies event. Sponsored impactful, transformative experiences and opportunities for young people. Sponsored a Haunted House that was entirely designed, managed, and supported by youth, fostering leadership skills.

Ongoing Support- Provided ongoing, sustained financial assistance and continual support for youth in need.

Program Development- Funded and supported innovative programs developed and led by the Longmont Youth Council. Equipped the Youth Recording Studio and provided necessary gear for the Youth As Resources' Colorado 14'ers program. Offered financial underwriting for a local Break Dance program.

Scholarships and Community Events- Established a scholarship fund to support youth seeking gang-related tattoo removal. Sponsored the Annual Longmont Cinco De Mayo Celebration, specifically supporting the family-friendly youth activities.Provided sponsorship for the Native American Heritage Month Celebration and the Cesar Chavez Event. Funded Youth Scholarships for educational and vocational purposes.