2018-2019 A Landmark Year of Growth & Innovation
The year 2019 marked one of the most significant milestones in IMPACT Youth Club's (IYC) history. As the organization continued to grow, we broadened our geographic reach. We expanded our community service, further advancing our mission of developing compassionate young leaders through volunteerism, music, and community engagement. Across all branches, IYC grew to 102 members, who collectively contributed 1,295 volunteer service hours throughout the year. Their dedication was recognized with 29 President's Volunteer Service Awards (PVSA), celebrating their commitment to making a meaningful difference in their communities.
During this transformative year, IYC expanded its service initiatives beyond music performances and fundraising to include environmental conservation, academic tutoring, and music education, providing members with even more opportunities to serve and lead.
To support this continued growth, IYC implemented the Better Impact volunteer management system, streamlining volunteer recruitment, scheduling, service-hour tracking, and award recognition while strengthening the foundation for future success.
Launching Environmental Stewardship
In 2019, Impact Youth Club (IYC) expanded its commitment to community service by launching its Environmental Stewardship program. Recognizing that caring for the environment is an important way to serve the community, volunteers organized open space cleanups, trail maintenance, and park restoration projects to help preserve local parks, trails, and other natural areas. These hands-on projects encouraged youth to take an active role in protecting the environment while learning about conservation, sustainability, and civic responsibility. It inspired youth from diverse backgrounds to work together toward a common goal, reinforcing IYC's belief that meaningful service extends beyond helping people to caring for the communities and environment we all share.
Fundraising for Rutgers Adult Autism Services
Impact Youth Club (IYC) partnered with the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS) to support the development of its pioneering community center. Throughout the year, our volunteers participated in five supermarket bagging events, engaging with shoppers, raising awareness about autism, and encouraging community support for the project.
Through the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of local residents, IYC proudly raised $1,200 to help expand services and opportunities for adults with autism. In recognition of our contribution, IYC was honored to attend the RCAAS Groundbreaking Ceremony on June 10, celebrating an important milestone in the creation of this first-of-its-kind community center and our partnership in making it possible.
New Branches in Action: CT, NY & Taiwan
Following their launch in 2019, IYC's new branches in Connecticut, New York, and Taiwan quickly began making a positive impact in their local communities. Guided by IYC's mission, each branch organized volunteer projects that addressed local needs while encouraging youth to take initiative and serve with compassion.
Although separated by distance, members remained closely connected by sharing ideas, experiences, and successful project models across branches. This collaboration strengthened IYC's mission, inspired new service initiatives, and demonstrated the power of youth working together to create meaningful change across communities.
Pioneering Education Support & Companionship
In 2019, Impact Youth Club (IYC) launched its Education Support initiative, expanding its community service to include academic and music tutoring for children. Through one-on-one mentoring and personalized instruction, volunteers helped young learners build confidence, strengthen their academic and musical skills, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
At the same time, IYC volunteers began providing regular piano lessons and companionship to senior citizens, using music to bring joy, encourage meaningful social interaction, and reduce feelings of isolation. By connecting younger and older generations through education and music, the program fostered lasting relationships while promoting learning, well-being, and community engagement.
