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Youth Business Initiative
LEARN. BUILD. GROW.
39th Edition Newsletter
June 2025 |
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Save the Date: YBI Giving Day – 24-Hour Digital Event!
Join us for YBI Giving Day on July 23rd, 2025! This 24-hour digital fundraising event is dedicated to making a difference as we aim to raise $15,000 to support vital initiatives, including:
✅ Mental Health Resources
✅ Advancing Economic Mobility
✅ Access to Sports & Recreation
✅ Empowering Disconnected Youth
Every contribution helps create opportunities for the next generation. Together, we can build stronger futures!
📍 Virtual Event – Donate & Participate Online
🌐 Give & Learn More: www.ybict.org
📢 Spread the word using #YBIGivingDay
Be part of this one-day movement and help us reach our goal in just 24 hours! 🚀 |
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We were proud to partner with The Norwalk Partnership for this year’s NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk + Wellness Fair! 💜🧠
Hundreds came together on May 3rd to celebrate community, wellness, and mental health awareness. From the Wellness Fair with over 50 organizations to Laughter Yoga, inspiring speakers, and the Awareness Walk — it was a powerful day of connection and support. 🙌
Grateful to be part of an event that uplifts mental health and substance use awareness in our community. Let’s keep the momentum going! 💬💚
#NorWALKForMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #WellnessFair #CommunityPartners #TheNorwalkPartnership #NorwalkCT #YouthSupport #MentalWellness |
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On Wednesday, May 21st, we were excited to open up our space at 11 Belden Ave for the first Social Emotional Health (SEH) Initiative Meeting of the year. This gathering brought together SEH and Out-of-School Time (OST) providers to reconnect, share updates, and highlight the collective progress being made across the community.
The event also featured a powerful one-hour mindfulness meditation workshop led by our partners from the Community Mindfulness Project, titled “Balance and Compassion through Mindfulness.”
We’re proud to have been the hosting space for such a meaningful and restorative gathering. A big thank-you to all who attended and to the organizers for choosing YBI as the venue. |
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Young Voices, Big Impact! |
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On June 4th, our space proudly hosted Young Voices, Big Impact!, a civic engagement forum and voter awareness event presented by Young For Norwalk. Youth, community members, and local leaders came together for an evening centered on dialogue, empowerment, and voter education.
The highlight of the evening was hearing from mayoral candidate Darlene Young, who is running to be the next Mayor of Norwalk. She shared her vision for the city and encouraged young people to use their voices and power at the ballot box. Attendees also learned how to register to vote, update their voter information, and take action ahead of the June 9 primary.
With food, conversation, and meaningful exchange at the core, the event offered a welcoming space for teens and young adults (ages 13+) to express their hopes for Norwalk’s future.
Thank you to everyone who showed up and proved that young voices really do make a big impact. |
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Youth Business Initiative is currently recruiting mentors for our upcoming programs, and we’re seeking individuals with lived experience who are passionate about empowering youth in our community. If you're 28 or older and want to make a difference, this is your chance.
Mentors will undergo a 3-day training covering key topics including:
Conflict Resolution
Mental Health Awareness & Support
CPR & First Aid
Responding to Youth in Distress
Engaging with Parents
Basic Economics
Mandated Reporting
- Limited spots available
- Stipend provided |
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Are you a high school student with a business idea or a passion for entrepreneurship? YBI is excited to launch our Summer 2025 Business Development Program — a 10-week experience designed to equip youth with the skills, mentorship, and real-world tools needed to turn their ideas into real ventures.
Participants will receive a $150 stipend, hands-on training, and guidance in areas like marketing, financial literacy, and business planning.
📍 Location: 11 Belden Ave, 2nd Floor, Norwalk, CT
🕒 Start Date: Summer 2025 (exact dates TBD) |
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Are you feeling disconnected from school, struggling to stay on track, or facing challenges that make it hard to move forward?
This mentorship program is here to support you. By joining, you'll be paired with a dedicated mentor who will guide and encourage you, helping you build confidence, stay motivated, and work toward your goals. You'll also take part in meaningful activities designed to support your growth, success, and well-being.
Take the first step toward a brighter future—sign up today! |
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Our Middle and High School Girls Support Groups have officially launched, and we’re already seeing strong engagement from the young women involved. These weekly sessions are designed to create a safe, empowering space for participants to build community, grow in confidence, and navigate their teenage years with support and guidance.
We’re excited to share that a local real estate agent will be joining an upcoming session to speak with the girls about career pathways, entrepreneurship, and the importance of financial independence. This will be a great opportunity for the girls to learn firsthand from a professional in the field.
We’re also gearing up for a field trip to New York City, where participants will explore culture, creativity, and connection beyond the classroom. Stay tuned for photos and updates as these young women continue to thrive and grow together! |
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The Best Soccer Podcast Is Coming Soon!
We’re excited to announce that YBI is expanding into youth sports storytelling through The Best Soccer — a brand-new initiative powered by our students and young athletes. Our team is currently filming the first episodes of the podcast, which will feature real voices from the field, inspiring local stories, and conversations that matter to today’s youth. This project is more than just about soccer — it’s about using sports as a platform to connect, educate, and uplift. Stay tuned for our official launch… exciting things are just getting started!
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