2025-26
Mission Impact Report
A Year Of Free Programs In Whitley County
The Center served 1,407 students in 2025-26, up 401% since 2019-20 and 283 more students than last year. Every program was free. Here is what that year added up to.
You can also view the designed version of this report.
Who We Serve
Students came to us from seven counties: Whitley, Allen, Kosciusko, Noble, Wabash, Huntington and Wells. More than half of our after-school students, 52%, qualify for free or reduced price lunches.
| Grade | Share of students |
|---|---|
| 1st grade | 5% |
| 2nd grade | 7% |
| 3rd grade | 7% |
| 4th grade | 12% |
| 5th grade | 15% |
| 6th grade | 13% |
| 7th grade | 13% |
| 8th grade | 5% |
| 9th grade | 8% |
| 10th grade | 5% |
| 11th grade | 6% |
| 12th grade | 4% |
Growing Every Year
Seven years ago we served 281 students. This year it was 1,407.
In Students’ Own Words
Because of Ground Zero, I’m still alive.
Ground Zero student
I feel like I am constantly being heard and loved.
After-School student
Our Mission
At The Center, our mission is to promote youth development through service, outreach, and collaboration.
Service
Meeting students where they are, every day we are open.
Of the 46 parents who answered our survey this year, 98% agree Center programs are a safe place for their child and 91% agree The Center prepares their child for future challenges.
Outreach
Staying with students outside program hours.
When students reach out, 86% come to us in person and 11% text.
Collaboration
Doing more for young people by working alongside others.
What Students Say
Trusted Adults
We heard from 115 students about the adults they meet here.
| Students say that adults at The Center | Agreed |
|---|---|
| Help them see future possibilities | 99% |
| Help them learn from mistakes and setbacks | 98% |
| Are people they can trust and count on | 99% |
| Show them how to act in positive ways | 98% |
Life Coaching
This year 32 students worked one on one with a coach.
The Senior Class
Among graduating seniors, 89% agreed The Center helped them through their teen years.
Student Growth
Search Institute, an independent research group, surveyed our students.
| Students say they are | Agreed |
|---|---|
| Better at making sure others have a chance to share their ideas | 90% |
| Better at thinking of ways to fix problems when they see them | 87% |
| More able to care for people who are hurting or struggling | 86% |
| Students say Center staff | Agreed |
|---|---|
| Hold them accountable | 95% |
| Help them set appropriate boundaries | 95% |
| Expect their best | 97% |
Our students scored in Search Institute’s STRONG category for character strengths and social and emotional competency.
Thrive Challenge
Thrive finished its first year. Students earn scholarship money by completing real world missions, everything from doing laundry to building a budget to exploring a career.
Missions span life skills, relationships and character, health and wellness, college and career, and leadership and entrepreneurship.
Emily’s Story
Middle school was a rough time for me, but The Center was really a highlight of my middle school years. The Center gave me a place that was safe to just be who I am. I found my mentor at The Center, and I’ve been able to create real relationships with so many amazing people. I definitely believe that The Center has shaped who I am today.
| Area | 2022 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Growth, meaning she is challenged to keep getting better | 75 | 83 |
| Leadership, meaning she is given useful roles and encouraged to lead | 56 | 100 |
Join the Mission
Everything here is free for families, and it stays that way because this community makes it possible. You can give online, by phone, or by mail, or find a volunteer role that fits you. No matter your involvement level, we have a place for you at The Center.
Figures cover the 2025-26 program year. If you need this report in another format, let us know and we will get it to you.