For nearly 30 years, the South Street Youth Center (SSYC) has served as a lifeline for generations of young people and families throughout Jamaica Plain and the City of Boston. Founded in 1996 in response to violence, gang activity, and instability impacting the South Street Development, SSYC was built by residents, community leaders, and advocates determined to create a safe and empowering space for youth to learn, grow, and thrive.
Today, after decades of free programming and community impact, SSYC is facing one of the greatest challenges in its history.
Due to major funding reductions from one of its largest longtime supporters, South Street Youth Center has been left with a devastating $60,000 budget gap heading into the next fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. Without immediate community support, the organization risks losing critical youth programming and could ultimately face the possibility of closing its doors after nearly three decades of service.
“This is bigger than losing a program, this is about potentially losing a safe space that generations of Boston youth have called home,” said Corey Stallings, Program Director of South Street Youth Center. “For years, SSYC has been where young people came after school to stay safe, find mentors, discover their talents, receive meals, prepare for college, and build confidence. We are asking the community to stand with us during one of the most difficult moments in our history.”
For decades, SSYC has provided free programming focused on youth leadership, homework help, workforce development, digital media, arts education, mentorship, health and wellness, and violence prevention. The center primarily serves youth from low-income families throughout Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Dorchester, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Programs include:
• Free afterschool and summer programming
• The National College Tour
• Homework help and academic support
• Culinary arts programming
• Workforce development and paid youth internships
• Photography, podcasting, video production, and music production
• Community events and wellness initiatives
• The Annual Family 5K Run around Jamaica Pond
Through its youth-led creative program, The New Generation (TNG), young people have learned professional-level digital media, fashion, photography, podcasting, branding, filmmaking, and entrepreneurship skills while working on real-world projects throughout Boston.
SSYC has partnered with organizations including The Possible Zone, Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Children’s Hospital, Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center, Brookline High School, English High School, Another Course to College, Eversource, Friends of Jamaica Pond, and the City of Boston to create opportunities for young people throughout the city.
The organization was also recognized by the Boston Celtics as a “Hero Among Us” for its National College Tour and commitment to youth achievement. SSYC proudly celebrates a 100% high school graduation rate among teens enrolled in its high school programming.
Now, community members, local businesses, elected officials, and supporters are being asked to help preserve the future of the center through donations, sponsorships, partnerships, and participation in upcoming fundraising efforts, including the organization’s 30th Anniversary Music, Art & Fashion Sneaker Ball.
The Sneaker Ball, organized in collaboration with The New Generation (TNG), will serve as both a celebration of SSYC’s legacy and a major fundraiser dedicated to keeping the organization alive for future generations. The event will feature youth fashion showcases, live performances, music, art, storytelling, and community recognition while highlighting the importance of investing in youth opportunities throughout Boston.
“South Street Youth Center has always been about family, resilience, and believing in young people,” Stallings added. “We are asking the city to help us continue that mission. We have seen generations of young people grow into college graduates, parents, entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders because someone invested in them here. We cannot allow that legacy to disappear.”
Community members interested in supporting South Street Youth Center through donations, sponsorships, partnerships, volunteering, or event participation are encouraged to reach out directly to the organization.
This is more than saving a building.
This is about protecting opportunity, mentorship, creativity, and hope for the next generation of Boston youth.
Visit the event page by scanning the QR Code to purchase tickets and learn more.