The Wave Youth Center Expands Services

We have some incredible news to share! As many of you remember, last summer we secured the property across from the schools to construct a new facility for The Wave Youth Center, which will significantly expand and enrich our services for the youth of Sherburne County. Today, I am thrilled to announce that we have received a $1.8 million Congressionally Directed Spending Award, thanks to the support of U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar. This substantial funding is a major milestone in bringing our vision for the new building to life.

Since we opened our doors in December 2019, The Wave has become a critical resource for nurturing the growth and development of our community's youth. Currently, we facilitate 1,200 monthly visits from 300 unique attendees, and the need for a larger facility has become increasingly urgent. Our existing space limits us significantly, affecting the number of students we can assist and the range of programs we can provide.

Our vision is that the new facility will serve as a vibrant community hub where young people can find both support and opportunities. The planned building will include a computer lab, art spaces, a sensory room, educational areas, and social zones—all designed to foster personal growth and strengthen community ties. Additionally, we are planning strategic enhancements to improve the center’s sustainability and effectiveness. Our design also incorporates sustainable funding strategies, such as leasing space for office or retail use and a gymnasium, to generate ongoing revenue to support our programs long-term.

While the CDS Award has laid a solid foundation, our journey is far from over. We still need to raise a total of $8 million to realize our vision fully. This is where we call upon you, our community, to come together once again to support this transformative project. Your contributions will be crucial in creating a nurturing environment that empowers our youth to thrive.

This project has already become a beacon of community collaboration. Local residents have participated actively, joining us for site tours and engaging in planning discussions. With their input, we've developed preliminary building designs and strategies in collaboration with contractors, landowners, and local officials.

As we embark on this expansion, it is vital to remember that our day-to-day operations still heavily rely on your continued support. This new project increases our financial responsibilities, yet maintaining our existing programs remains essential. You can help by designating your donation to either support our ongoing operations or contribute to the building project. Here are several convenient ways you can make a difference:

Drop By: Visit us and make a donation in person, 171 Lake Street South, Big Lake

Donate here.

Mail a Check: Send your contributions to The Wave at PO Box 58, Big Lake, MN 55309, specifying your donation preference.

VENMO: @TheWave4U

If you are looking for a way to leave a meaningful legacy, consider our naming opportunities for parts of the new facility. This is a beautiful way to honor a loved one or your family in a lasting and impactful manner. For more details, please visit our website Here

Consider the profound impact your contribution can make, as expressed by one of our young members: "At The Wave, it's more than just hanging out; it feels like I belong. This is the place I can go where everyone supports me and gets who I am as a person." This safe, supportive environment is more than a place—it's a promise to our youth that they belong and have the potential to succeed.

The challenges our youth face are unprecedented, but so is the opportunity to make a lasting difference. This facility will not only serve today's young people but will also benefit future generations, standing as a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community.

Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our mission. To contribute or learn more, please visit our website at https://thewaveyc.org/buildingproject/ or contact our office at info@thewaveyc.org.

With heartfelt thanks,

Molly Schroeder

President/Founder

The Wave Youth Center

612-807-2534

molly@thewaveyc.org

Together, let’s build a future where every student can thrive. Your support is not just appreciated—it’s crucial.