Become A Part of the "Click !"
DYS, in conjunction with the Birmingham Public Library, has developed a web site designed specifically for youth.  By going to www.bhamyouthfirst.org, users are just one “click” away from information about youth-related programs, events, and links to sites offering helpful information.  Don’t be out of “site!”  Become a part of the “click!”  For more information, contact Beverly Meadows, DYS Public Information Officer at 320-0879.

BRIDGE
Birmingham's Religious Initiative to Develop Generation Example (BRIDGE) is a collaborative effort between city government and the faith-based community. BRIDGE aims to "bridge the gap" in services for youth in eight key areas: Education, Cultural Arts, Family Services, Health & Wellness, Faith-Based Initiatives, Mentoring, Workforce Development, and Athletics and Recreation. For more information, contact Galvin Billups, Program Manager and Interim Faith-Based Initiatives Coordinator, at 320-0879.

Contract Compliance Team
DYS assists the City of Birmingham's Internal Audit Division by monitoring city-funded youth initiatives.   DYS staff performs program and event reviews and obtains documentation to justify funding accountability and ensure good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.  For more information about DYS’ contract compliance efforts, contact Alanah Melton, Administrative Services Manager and Contract Compliance Coordinator, at 320-0879.

Cultural Sampling Tours
The Youth First Cultural Sampling Tour is a partnership between the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Birmingham Cultural Alliance Partnership.  The goal of the partnership is to expose Birmingham youth and their families to various cultural amenities throughout the city.  The tours are FREE, and transportation and lunch are provided by DYS. Contact LaShaundra Lewis, Family Service Coordinator, at 320-0879 for more information.

DYS 411 Crew
Our youth face many challenges that may cause them to react negatively to instances of violence and peer pressure. DYS' 411 Crew is using a “dramatic” approach to show them how to apply positive choices to difficult situations. To find out how you can have the DYS 411 Crew to come to your school, church, or youth organization to perform, contact Andre Jones, DYS Educational Initiatives Coordinator, at 320-0879.

Equal Access Network
DYS embraces youth in Birmingham’s housing communities through the Equal Access Network. Equal Access is a collaborative effort between DYS and leaders in Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) communities. The partnership’s goal is to encourage the involvement of HABD youth residents in DYS programs, projects, and activities. To find out about the Equal Access Network in your housing community, contact your HABD Resident Council President or call Percy Jones, Mentoring Coordinator, at 320-0879.

Faith-Based Initiatives
Leaders in the faith community are invited to take part in Faith-Based Initiatives hosted by DYS and its partners.  Throughout the year, DYS supports multi-denominational activities and events that provide positive options for youth of all ages. For more information about upcoming Faith-Based Initiatives, contact Galvin Billups, DYS Faith-Based Initiatives Coordinator at 320-0879.

“Feed the Need” Project
The “Feed the Need” Project is a component of the annual donation drive DYS facilitates as a part of its Youth First Holiday Campaign.  During the months of October and November, DYS collects nonperishable food donations for needy Birmingham youth and their families, youth residential living facilities, and local organizations that help to feed families in need.  For more information, contact Beverly Meadows, DYS Feed the Need Coordinator at 320-0879.

For Youth By Youth (FYBY)
This program is designed to increase interest in the development and implementation of civic projects, by Birmingham youth.  Youth will submit written proposals for projects that they would like to oversee. The student with the winning proposal will serve as project manager and handle everything from concept implementation to hiring a staff of up to five youth to be a part of the project team.

Give-2-Get Incentive Program
The Youth First Give-2-Get Incentive Program promotes community service, while offering exciting incentives to youth who are giving back. Youth between the ages of 6 and 17 years old, who permanently reside in the City of Birmingham, are invited to qualify for the Give-2-Get Incentive Program. Click here for qualification criteria and registration forms.  Contact Michael Moore, Athletics & Recreation Coordinator, at 320-0879.

Fall Festival
DYS hosts a FREE fall festival for Birmingham youth up to 12 years old.  The event features fun characters, games, prizes, food, beverages & candy.  If your organization hosts a fall festival, please contact us at 320-0879 so that we share your information.     

Kiddie Club
The Kiddie Club is designed especially for Birmingham youth between the ages of two and seven years old. Members receive kid-friendly information, and participate in structured activity days, receive invitations to special events, participate in an annual Kiddie Club Carnival. Click here for criteria and registration forms. For additional details, call Beverly Meadows, DYS-PIO & Kiddie Club Coordinator, at 320-0879.

Kids & Jobs Program
The Kids & Jobs Program puts students between the ages of 14 and 21 to work in public, private and nonprofit sectors of the business community. Each spring, Birmingham youth are invited to apply for age-appropriate employment opportunities. Youth who are hired through the program are put to work during the summer months and paid based on compensation criteria developed for each component of the program. For more information about the Kids & Jobs Program or other youth-related work opportunities, contact Michael Moore, Operations Manager, at 320-0879.

McWane Project
The City of Birmingham’s Division of Youth Services and the McWane Center are partnering to offer opportunities that are educational and exciting! Youth can take part in activities that combine science, technology, and fun. For details about current McWane Project initiatives, call Michael Moore, Athletics & Recreation Coordinator, at 320-0879.

Mentoring Initiatives
The Youth First Mentoring Initiative provides youth with easily accessible information about quality mentoring programs and assists nonprofit organizations that are looking to create or enhance their own mentoring initiatives. To obtain additional information about mentoring programs in our area, or to find out how your organization can be included on the Youth First Mentoring Organization & Activities List, contact Percy Jones, DYS Mentoring Initiatives Coordinator at 320-0879.

Olive Branch Project
DYS extends a collaborative arm to local youth service organizations to help provide exposure to their programs and events. DYS helps to inform Birmingham’s youth and the general public through the Spotlight on Youth TV Show on Bright House Networks Channel 4 and On-Demand Channel 1040, the Youth First Newsletter, the Youth Service Provider listing on our Web site, mass mailings, and grassroots partnerships. For more information about the Olive Branch Project, contact Beverly Meadows, DYS Public Information Officer, at 320-0879.

Senior Unityfest
Each spring, Birmingham High School students are invited to this annual event designed to encourage senior fellowship, while discouraging involvement in "unofficial" senior skip day activities, that generally take place the Friday prior to spring break. FREE food, fun, games, and more! For more information, contact Percy Jones, Senior Unityfest Coordinator at 320-0879.