What does it take to help a child become their best self? For Wisconsin Youth Company, it starts with creating opportunities to learn, connect, and grow beyond the traditional school day. Through enriching programs, caring staff, and supportive environments, the organization helps thousands of children build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills each year.
Founded in 1974, Wisconsin Youth Company is a Dane County nonprofit serving youth ages 4 to 14. Through before- and after-school programs, summer day camps, and neighborhood centers, the organization reaches more than 1,500 children annually while remaining committed to its mission of helping every child thrive.
A Legacy of Support for Children and Families
We took a closer look at Wisconsin Youth Company's Elver Park Neighborhood Center and spoke with Rebecca Carlin, CEO; Regan Kregness, Development and Outreach Director; Jennifer Weber, Director of Neighborhood Centers; and Madeline Simms, Community Engagement & Outreach Manager.
For more than 50 years, Wisconsin Youth Company has served children and families throughout Dane County. Founded in 1974 as the Afterschool Day Care Association, the organization was created to support women entering the workforce by providing children with a safe and enriching place to go after school. As the need for childcare services expanded, summer programming was added in 1975, marking the beginning of decades of growth. Since then, Wisconsin Youth Company has continually evolved, expanding its staff, programs, and locations to serve thousands of local youth each year.
At both the Theresa Terrace and Elver Park Neighborhood Centers, staff work closely with residents, viewing them as the experts on their own communities. By building relationships and listening to residents, the organization identifies needs and develops programs that provide meaningful assistance. Services range from free laundry through a laundromat partnership and community dinners to Thanksgiving baskets and holiday toy drives. At the Elver Park Neighborhood Center alone, the food pantry served 768 members during the 2024-25 year and distributed more than 70,000 pounds of food.
Staff say one of the most important lessons they've learned over the years is that it truly takes a village to help children succeed. With 63% of families have both parents or sole parent working outside the home, quality out-of-school programs play an important role in helping children learn and grow while supporting working families. For many participants, those experiences leave a lasting impression, with some returning years later as Wisconsin Youth Company employees.
Turning Needs into Action
As demand for services continues to increase, one of Wisconsin Youth Company's biggest challenges is balancing that growth with available funding and capacity. The organization's neighborhood centers rely on external support to provide many resources, while Wisconsin Youth Company remains committed to keeping programs affordable for families and offering financial assistance whenever possible. Staff say the challenge is not only meeting today's needs, but ensuring resources remain available to continue supporting families in the future.
Despite the challenges, some of Wisconsin Youth Company's proudest moments come from recognizing a need and helping create a solution. One example is the annual Back2School Block Party, which has grown from a small neighborhood gathering into a beloved community tradition that welcome hundreds of community members each summer. Taking place this year on August 20th, the event offers activities, food, and opportunities to connect with one another and local resources.
The organization is also proud of initiatives such as its pickleball tournament fundraiser, which raises support for programs while also introducing new community members to Wisconsin Youth Company's mission. For staff, these events are powerful reminders of the relationships that make their work possible.
Creating Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Wisconsin Youth Company's programs are built around what staff call "choice-based programming," giving children opportunities to explore interests, discover new passions, and build connections outside of the traditional school day.
During the 2024-25 program year, more than 1,551 children participated in programs across 20 school-year sites and 12 summer camp locations. From science clubs and board game groups to arts, recreation, and enrichment activities, the goal is to help youth find their interest and connect with others.
Many programs begin with conversations and input from those that they serve. One example is the organization's Driver's Education program. After partners identified that the cost of driver's education was preventing some teens from obtaining a license, Wisconsin Youth Company developed a program that helps make it more accessible. The organization also invests in local youth through its annual Back2School initiative, with a goal of distributing 600 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need this year.
Other programs focus on helping young people build confidence and independence through new experiences. Wander Wisconsin takes older elementary students on educational adventures across the state, while theater camp gives participants the opportunity to collaborate on a live performance in just two weeks. Wisconsin Youth Company also offers middle school programs that teach practical life skills, including how to navigate public transportation. Staff recognize that understanding local bus routes can be an essential skill, helping youth gain independence and access opportunities throughout the area. Whether exploring a state park, stepping onto a stage, or planning a trip across town, each program is designed to help young people gain skills and confidence.
Powered by Community Support
Those looking to get involved with Wisconsin Youth Company have a variety of opportunities to volunteer throughout the year. Volunteers can assist with serving food at the Back2School Block Party, stuffing backpacks for the Back2School Drive, participating in the pickleball fundraiser, sorting toys for holiday drives, or supporting food pantry operations. Whether donating time, resources, or expertise, volunteers play an important role in helping Wisconsin Youth Company make a lasting impact.
Looking ahead, the organization hopes to continue expanding its reach to meet the growing needs of local families. One long-term dream is an addition to the Theresa Terrace Neighborhood Center, which, despite being the organization's smallest neighborhood center, serves a significant number of members. With waiting lists across many of its programs, the need for affordable, high-quality services remains strong. Staff also hope to inspire community leaders and decision-makers to continue investing in children, families, and the organizations that support them.
As Wisconsin Youth Company continues to grow, members will have an opportunity to see that impact firsthand at the annual Back2School Block Party on August 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Theresa Terrace Neighborhood Center. Families, staff, volunteers, and neighbors will come together to celebrate the power of community and help ensure youth have opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
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