Programs & Youth in Tech | Spirit Refuge Foundation

Our programs

Connected support for young people, adults, and families — from academic growth and family stability to technology skills.

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Bright Futures Youth Collective program banner: Room to discover. Space to grow.

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Program pathways

Room to learn, grow, and move forward.

Explore the youth, technology, mentorship, and practical life-skills pathways at the center of our connected community model.

Homework Heroes tutoring and literacy banner: Small steps. Stronger skills.

Bright Futures Club banner: Find your people. Discover your possibilities.

Mentorship program banner: Someone in your corner. Connection, encouragement, growth.

Teen Thrive banner: Your voice. Your choices. Your future.

Life Skills program banner: Build confidence. Practice independence.

Youth in Tech program banner: Imagine it. Build it. Make it work.

Arts and Passions future focus banner: Find your voice. Make your mark.

Volunteer tutor helping a girl with math homework — Homework Heroes

Youth group on an educational museum outing — BF Club outings

Mentor talking with a boy on a park bench — One-to-one mentorship

Teen presenting ideas to peers — Teen Thrive leadership

Now recruiting for January 2027

Bright Futures Collective

Youth Development Program

A year-round youth development program helping children and teens ages 5–17 strengthen academic skills, build confidence, form supportive relationships, and grow into capable community leaders.

What the program provides

Homework Heroes — personalized K–12 homework help, study habits, and academic encouragement
BF Club — monthly gatherings and educational outings that build belonging, curiosity, and positive peer connections
One-to-one mentorship — consistent guidance from a caring adult for young people ages 5–17
Teen Thrive — leadership development, goal setting, service, and future-readiness for teens ages 14–17

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Family navigator reviewing a plan with a mother and toddler

Navigator Nest

Family Stabilization Initiative

A family-centered stabilization initiative that helps households understand their immediate needs, create a practical plan, and move toward dependable housing, food access, financial stability, and long-term well-being.

What the program provides

Individual family needs assessment and goal planning
Personalized milestones with clear, manageable next steps
Guidance through local services, benefits, and community support
Ongoing encouragement as families work toward lasting stability

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Adults working on résumés in a job-readiness workshop

LifeLaunch Labs

Adult Skills & Development Program

A practical adult development program designed to turn everyday challenges into achievable next steps through life-skills education, workforce preparation, financial confidence, and personal growth.

What the program provides

Job-readiness support, résumé development, and interview preparation
Budgeting, financial literacy, and household planning
Communication, decision-making, and practical life skills
Goal setting and confidence building for personal and professional growth

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Volunteer sharing resource information at a community fair

Community Bridge Network

Resource Navigation & Support

A coordinated resource network that connects individuals and families with trusted local organizations, services, and advocates so they can find the right help without navigating complex systems alone.

What the program provides

Warm referrals to verified community resources
Connections for food, housing, healthcare, education, employment, and legal needs
Follow-up support to help families move from referral to access
Community partnerships that reduce service gaps and strengthen local support

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Black, Hispanic and white youth learning coding with technology professionals — Coding with professional guidance

Diverse youth and mentors discussing AI safety around a laptop and tablet — Responsible AI and digital skills

Opening August 2027

Youth in Tech

Youth Technology & Certification Pilot

A new program partnered with professionals to help youth code, use AI with fidelity and safety, build practical technology skills, and prepare for certifications.

What the program provides

Coding — build practical programming skills through guided projects
AI with fidelity and safety — check accuracy, protect privacy, and use AI responsibly
Technology — develop digital confidence with professional guidance
Certification preparation — work toward technology credentials with professional partners

What we need from grantors

iPads, laptops, and whiteboards for hands-on learning, alongside professional instruction and program funding.

Join interest list Donate to this program Apply to be a lead Youth in Tech Leader Become a grant partner

Bright Futures Collective · Ages 5–17

Bright Futures Club

A place to belong, explore, and build positive friendships. Bright Futures Club brings children and teens together through monthly gatherings and educational outings.

Program goals: Build belonging, curiosity, confidence, and positive peer connections through shared learning and community experiences.
Current needs: Screened volunteer club leaders and activity helpers, learning materials, educational outing partners, and funding for gatherings and outings.
Impact to date: The foundation reports 60 youth reached across its work. Club-specific participation and outcomes have not been reported separately.

Part of Bright Futures Collective

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Bright Futures Collective · Ages 14–17

Teen Thrive

A youth leadership pathway where teens strengthen their voice, make thoughtful choices, and prepare for their next steps through goal setting, service, and supportive relationships.

Program goals: Develop leadership, decision-making, confidence, and future-readiness while encouraging teens to contribute to their communities.
Current needs: Screened volunteer Teen Thrive leaders and mentors, leadership and learning materials, community service partners, and funding for consistent sessions.
Impact to date: The foundation reports 60 youth reached across its work. This is shared foundation-wide reach, not an additional Teen Thrive count or a graduation figure.

Part of Bright Futures Collective

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Future planned focus

Arts & Passions

A future creative pathway envisioned to help young people explore their interests, express themselves, and build confidence. This is not currently listed as an active program.

Youth in Tech · Opening August 2027

Lead the next generation.

Apply to be a lead Youth in Tech Leader. We welcome professionals with technology skills, a commitment to safe and responsible AI, and an interest in helping young people learn.

Share your experience and availability. Our team will discuss the role and participation requirements with you.