A Place to Grow: How Youth Impact gives back to its community

A newly renovated food pantry—and the philosophy that built it—are reshaping what care looks like after school

It began with just a few cans of food stacked by the front door—no signs, no announcements. Just a simple way for Youth Impact families to take what they needed with no questions asked.

Today, Ms. Nick’s Pantry is an investment—a newly constructed, storefront-style space that is fully stocked and open to the broader Ogden community. From USDA staples and Utah Food Bank contributions to private donations, its shelves offer more than food—they offer dignity, stability, and support.

“It’s become something much bigger than we imagined—because people step up.” -Eileen Nicholas, Youth Impact Staff

The pantry reflects what Youth Impact has always done best: Meet people where they are with compassion and respect. It’s not just a source of nourishment—it’s a place where young people and their families feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger.

A Safe Place to Land—and Launch

Since 1992, Youth Impact has been serving young people and their families in the Ogden Community. Its mission is simple but powerful: *** to give each and every child who comes through our doors a safe place to learn, socialize, and realize who they are and who they can become.

What began with the hope of getting kids to graduate high school is now stretching to encourage kids to go to college. The program works with youth from kindergarten through 12th grade, providing a safe environment that feels both structured and deeply personal.

Every child is there because they want to be, and the waiting list is full. 

How It Works

Each school day, about 150 children are picked up in Youth Impact vans and brought to the Youth Impact building in downtown Ogden—the same one they’ve called home since 2001. They start with a snack, then dive into an activity. It could be tutoring, art, guitar, welding, dance, or a quiet moment with a mentor.

With a 1:15 mentor-to-student ratio, the support is consistent and personal. These mentors aren’t just there to lead activities—they are creating lasting relationships, encouraging emotional growth, and walking alongside kids through whatever they’re facing.

After the activity, everyone shares a meal, pitches in to clean up, and are delivered to their doorstep by the same vans that picked them up after school.

It's safe. It's structured. And for many kids, it's the most consistent part of their world.

Building Citizens, Not Just Graduates

Youth Impact isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about building good humans. Kids are taught how to be responsible, how to contribute, and how to see themselves as valuable members of their community.

"We’re not going to change anything unless we all work together. None of us have everything. But together we figure it out." - Youth Impact Teen Participant

The youth also learn to give back. Ms. Nick’s Pantry is a great example. And in the process, they begin to believe they can make a difference.

Brenda Gerena is now the Chair of the Youth Impact Board of Trustees. She began as a Youth Impact volunteer in 2011, with her four kids in the program from ages 7, 8, 9 and 14—through high school graduation. Fourteen years later, Brenda is “giving back” as an active volunteer, monumental fundraiser, and influential community connector. And she is not along. Many past participants continue to support the program that supported them during some of the toughest days in their young lives.

“I was a single mom, and it was a godsend to have the support of the program. I don’t know how I would have been able to work and take care of my family without this extended family of leaders and mentors.”  - Brenda Gerena

Following in mom’s footsteps is Ethan Gerena who now organizes the annual Car Show fundraiser for Youth Impact. His impact has resulted in more than $30,000 in donations…and counting. The cost for one child in the program one year is $1500.

A Quiet Connection: ECS and Youth Impact

Youth Impact is an Affiliate Program with ECS, and both nonprofit organizations have shared values—and history. The program’s earliest community efforts were rooted in the Episcopal Church, and over the years, ECS has quietly supported the work whenever and however it could.

That support continues—not with fanfare, but with open hands and open hearts, ready to show up when needed.

For more information about supporting Youth Impact, please visit our website.