As the summer season quickly approaches, Zepf Center is thrilled to offer its 8-week summer program for youth enrolled in services. Partnering with Toledo City Parks, this program is specialized to engage youth and encourage their personal growth throughout the summer months. 

To improve the health and wellness of local youth, the City of Toledo is teaming up with community-based organizations to create innovative and holistic programming. Answering the city’s call to provide high-quality, engaging summer activities for young people, Zepf Center was awarded a $35,000 grant to support this year’s Youth Summer Program.

The main goal of the Toledo City Parks Summer Program grant is to fund programs that offer learning opportunities, active participation, and enjoyable experiences for youth and young adults. The City of Toledo also emphasizes the importance of incorporating key mentoring goals and objectives into these programs, enabling area youth to practice the skills they need to succeed personally and academically. Grant recipients were also encouraged to collaborate locally, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach to youth development across the city.

Among the local organizations set to benefit from this initiative, Zepf Center’s Youth Services team is incredibly excited to be involved in the city-supported programming this year. As in summers past, the dedicated team provides a safe and inclusive environment where youth clients learn about the importance of their overall wellness while participating in fun and engaging activities.

"Our goal is to give youth a safe place to learn about the importance of taking care of their mental and physical health,” said Director of Youth Services Andrea Murdock. “We want this program to be a place where all are welcome, regardless of ability or background.”

The youth programs offered this summer at Zepf Center give participants a unique look into their mental health and the importance of maintaining both their physical and mental well-being. Additionally, youth will have the opportunity to build social skills and form new friendships to help create a safer, more connected community.

“Our young people need support now more than ever,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “This summer program will provide a solid foundation for them to grow in their community, while also connecting them to the resources and skills they need to thrive.”

Zepf Center’s Summer Youth Program is expected to have a major impact on the Toledo community by providing structured, supportive, and enjoyable summer activities for youth clients during their academic recess. By focusing on both mental and physical health, the programs will create a healthier, more connected, and resilient youth population.

The inclusion of mentoring and community collaboration efforts also allows the programs to positively influence the lives of participants, even after the summer months are over. These skills and connections are crucial to help youth navigate the challenges of adolescence and build a foundation for future success.

Zepf Center’s Youth Summer Program begins June 3 and runs Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Youth clients ages 8-14 are eligible to enroll and lunch is provided to all participants.

For more information about the program, contact Andrea Murdock by calling 419-841-7701 x 4143, or emailing [email protected].