A Year of Growth, Connection, and Opportunity at Phelps Helps

Looking Back on a Remarkable Year

As another school year comes to a close, it’s natural to look back on everything that has been accomplished over the past twelve months.

For Phelps Helps, this year has been one of the busiest and most exciting in the organization’s history, a year marked not only by major milestones, but by hundreds of everyday moments that brought young people together to learn, grow, and belong.

Perhaps the biggest milestone came in December with the purchase and move into Phelps’ new home. More than simply a change of address, the new space represents a long-term investment in the future of local youth. Since officially launching programs in the building this winter, the organization has already begun building new traditions within its walls, including hosting its annual chess tournament, the first major event in the space. The tournament filled to capacity and highlighted the growing interest in opportunities that challenge young minds while strengthening friendships.

While the move was a defining moment, it was only one chapter in an exceptionally active year.

Throughout the school year, the Phelps Youth Lounge continued to be a steady presence for local teens every Friday night, offering games, activities, meals, and, most importantly, a safe and welcoming place to connect with friends. Beyond weekly drop-ins, youth also participated in a wide range of opportunities including the first Teen Sports Night, the third annual Winter Dance, leadership retreats, volunteer experiences, and countless recreational activities designed to build confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.

Learning remained at the heart of everything Phelps does. Weekly tutoring supported elementary students, while programming continued in both local high schools through clubs and academic support. Monthly Spark sessions in every classroom at both elementary schools helped students build essential skills, while FlavourLab cooking workshops gave teens hands-on experience developing practical life skills in the kitchen. Alongside twelve cooking workshops, the organization also served ten monthly community meals for high school students, creating space to gather, connect, and ensure young people had access to nutritious food.

A Community Effort Behind Every Moment

Beyond its regular programming, Phelps remained deeply rooted in the broader community. Staff and volunteers took part in local celebrations such as Septemberfest and the Christmas Parade, while the community showed its support in meaningful and tangible ways. Fundraisers organized by local supporters, including a Halloween dance, bowling tournament, spaghetti supper, and trivia night, reflected the strong sense of community spirit that continues to fuel the organization’s mission.

Taken individually, each of these moments tells only part of the story. Together, they reflect an organization that is active nearly every week of the year, creating opportunities for children, youth, families, and volunteers alike.

Looking Ahead to a New Season

As summer programming now gets underway, with tutoring, STEM camp, the Youth Lounge, and community events filling the calendar, Phelps is already looking ahead to another year of supporting local youth. None of it would be possible without the dedication of staff, volunteers, partners, donors, and the many families who continue to place their trust in the organization.

While this year included many milestones worth celebrating, the greatest achievement remains the same as it has always been: helping young people discover their potential, build meaningful connections, and know they have a community that believes in them.

We hope you’ll continue to follow along for another year of exciting Phelps news.