Waterloo Nonprofit Uses Basics to Empower Youth
October 16, 2024
Back 2 Basics is a Waterloo-based nonprofit making significant strides in youth empowerment through its multifaceted approach to prevention and intervention. Designed for students aged 9 to 13, the program targets those showing early signs of at-risk behavior, with the goal of steering them toward positive life choices.
“Our foundation is youth empowerment,” says Mike Robinson, founder and executive director. “We’ve been working with students for 30 years, and we recognized a gap in services on the prevention side. While there’s plenty of support once a student gets in trouble, we wanted to create a space where we can serve, teach, and instruct students before they reach that point.”
The program is built around three core components: at-risk diversion, outdoor activities, and practical life skills. The at-risk diversion initiative aims to intervene before students engage in more serious negative behaviors.
“We want to divert students if they’re starting to go down a certain path,” explains Mike. “We introduce life skills, decision-making, and anger management, among other things, to help them understand and manage their triggers.”
Another critical aspect of Back 2 Basics is its outdoor activities, which are born out of Mike’s personal experiences in his youth. “I’m an outdoorsman, and I wanted to share that with kids. We teach them how to grow their own food through our ‘Plant a Seed’ project, and they learn the entire process from planting to harvesting. We also have a ‘Teach a Man to Fish’ program, where kids learn fishing as a therapeutic and fulfilling activity.”
The program has also benefited from a partnership with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, which has been instrumental in expanding its reach and impact. “The partnership with the Community Foundation has been a blessing,” said Mike. “Their support has allowed us to continue offering these essential services and even expand our reach. We’re small, but with their help, we’re making a real difference in these kids’ lives.
”The Back 2 Basics program exemplifies a comprehensive approach to youth empowerment, focusing not just on prevention but also on providing young people with the tools and experiences they need to thrive. Through hands-on activities and life skills training, the program is helping to create a brighter future for the next generation.
