History of the YVC

As part of his research in 1985, for his senior public policy thesis, YVC President David Battey visited existing service corps and interviewed leaders in the newly forming youth service field. His research showed that while service opportunities were randomly available through schools, churches and synagogues, a broad-based community organization offering challenging, organized service opportunities to youth of all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds was not consistently available. Developing a framework for such an organization, Battey returned to his hometown of Kansas City in 1986 and established the Youth Volunteer Corps of Greater Kansas City under the sponsorship of the Heart of America United Way and with funding from numerous public and private sources.

Mission Statement
To create and increase volunteer opportunities to enrich youth, address community needs and develop a lifetime commitment to service.

Four Goals

• To engage young people in service projects that are challenging, rewarding and educational.
  
• To serve the unmet needs of the community and its residents.
  
• To promote among young people a greater understanding & appreciation for the diversity of their community.
  
• To promote a lifetime ethic of service among young people.
  

Fundamental Components
First launched in 1987, the YVC model has since been established in communities nationwide. Programs are sponsored locally by diverse community-based organizations such as Volunteer Centers, Hands On, YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, Camp Fire, United Way, City Parks & Recreation and school districts. Funding is provided by foundations, corporations, individuals, United Ways, and local and federal government. The program consists of two fundamental components:

Summer Component
In the summer, youth volunteer on teams supervised by trained Team Leaders and work on extended projects, days or weeks long, that allow them to see larger outcomes accomplished. The intensive design of the summer component reinforces teamwork, appreciation for diversity and civic responsibility.

School-Year Component
During the school year, YVC Program Directors, AmeriCorps members and staff work closely with teachers to design and implement age-appropriate service projects that tie school curriculum to community service. In addition, young people from throughout the community work together on service projects after school, on weekends and during school breaks.