Stand Up for Youth Opportunity:

Empowering the Next Generation in Bay County

In Bay County, every young person deserves the chance to dream big, reach their potential, and build a bright future. Yet, many face barriers that limit access to education, basic resources, and supportive environments.

That’s why United Way of Bay County is calling on the community to 

Stand Up for Youth Opportunity—a movement to ensure that every child and teen has the tools they need to succeed.

In partnership with the Bay Area Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Council, the Barbara and Gary Bosco Back 2 School Program provides essential clothing, backpacks, and school supplies to qualifying students in

Pre-K through 12th grade who attend a Bay County school.

These students are not necessarily below the poverty line, as many of the families we serve fall within the ALICE threshold (Asset-Limited; Income-Constrained; Employed). Families who are working paycheck to paycheck, who need a little extra love when their wallets get tight, and who are not receiving any kind of government assistance at all.

With providing students with basic needs, such as a brand new outfit to start the new school year in, or providing warm winter boots, we can ensure that no student is held back by a lack of resources. We are proud that the Barabara and Gary Bosco Back 2 School program served over 1,068 kids in 2025, and the John Michael Jeffers Memorial Warm Soles program served over 600 students last year!

United Way of Bay County's Barbara and Gary Bosco Back 2 School, and John Michael Jeffers Memorial Warm Soles programs provide essential items that help students feel confident, and ready to learn.

The same group of families, who have little ones in elementary school can benefit from the John Michael Jeffers Memorial Warm Soles Program, providing winter boots for students in Pre-K through 5th grade who attend a Bay County elementary school.

Did you know? If you do not have the proper winter attire in elementary school, you cannot attend outside recess?

This gives kids who's families cannot afford new winter boots every year (to keep up with their growing feet) a disadvantage over other children.

Many students also walk to/home from school every day. Giving them proper winter boots can alleviate stress on their parental gauridans, knowing their child is properly protected.

With this program, we can ensure that no student feels ostracized when it comes to winter time fun!

From early literacy programs, to affordable before/after school care, we believe in investing in programs that promote academic success, and support for every child.

We are proud to support programs like Project LEARN at the Boys and Girls Club of the Great Lakes Bay Region, the Lunchbox Learners, and Community Based Mentoring Programs through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

"These programs are crucial in our community. We know that mentorship and safe spaces are key to helping young people thrive."

United Way invests in 7 external programs through our community non-profit organizations, including:

• The Fremont Center - Affordable Child Care that extends into the evening and early morning
• Youth Tutoring at the Literacy Council of Bay County
• Discover You! Program through The ROCK Center for Youth Success - empowering Middle through Post Secondary students with development skills
• Enrichment Friday for Bay Arenac Community High School - letting students take art credits through Studio 23, and gym credits through the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA
• Barton Dyslexia Tutoring Program - The Legacy Center for Success
• Lunchbox Learners and Community Based Mentoring Programs through Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Project LEARN through the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region

Whether you give, advocate, or volunteer, your support helps us create a thriving Bay County where every child has a fair chance to succeed.