Youth Nonprofit Unveils Bold ‘Make a Splash, Change the Current’ Initiative

The Be Awesome Youth Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to youth mentorship in Maricopa, recently kickstarted its “Make a Splash, Change the Current” campaign. This initiative aims to empower local teens through engaging events, skill-building workshops, and paid leadership opportunities.

The organization seeks to transform the lives of adolescents by fostering confidence, connection, and success against a backdrop of rapid community growth—Maricopa is adding over 250 new residents each month. Yet, many teens in the area report feeling increasingly isolated. Recent findings from the Arizona Youth Survey reveal that:

• Over 50% of Maricopa teens feel disconnected from their neighborhoods.
• Nearly half have been reinforced for engaging in antisocial behavior.
• More than 57% perceive minimal risk associated with drug use.

“Young people lacking a sense of belonging are more susceptible to making risky choices,” stated Priscilla Behnke, the executive director. “Our mission is to change this by creating real opportunities for them to thrive.”

With a fundraising goal of $25,000, the “Make a Splash” campaign is inviting community support for several key initiatives:

• Community events such as the Nerf N’ Surf adventure and an upcoming Pokémon-themed scavenger hunt. These gatherings create a safe space for teens to connect and foster friendships.
• Educational workshops covering crucial topics like internet safety, health and wellness, and career readiness.
• A weekend retreat aimed at boosting confidence and self-awareness through various challenges and activities.
• Paid internships providing valuable work experience while cultivating essential skills like project planning and communication.

“This job has profoundly impacted my life,” said Kim Daniels, 18, a coalition team member. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork and community impact. I now aspire to serve and uplift those around me.”

The campaign emphasizes micro-donations, where contributions ranging from $10 to $500 can collectively generate significant change. Everyone, from parents to community leaders, is encouraged to partake in this movement to uplift Maricopa’s youth.

Donations can be made at BeAwesomeYouth.life. For further information or to become a monthly supporter, visit the website or reach out to Brandi Homan at [email protected] or call 520-428-6633.