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ABOUT
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Located on VCU's Monroe Park Campus, the MFYC has been a hub for youth programming, partnership, and leadership development in the Richmond region since 2007
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 2007 on a vision for youth
The Mary and Frances Youth Center was founded on Virginia Commonwealth University's Monroe Park Campus in Richmond, Virginia. Its creation was driven by a vision to offer a supportive environment where local youth could participate in educational and recreational activities.
From the start, the center's mission has been to foster positive youth development, with its cornerstone program Lobs and Lessons offering tennis instruction combined with life skills and academic engagement. Over the years, MFYC expanded its programming to include a multi-sport focus, STEM in Sports, and workforce development training through the VCU Advance Certificate in Youth Development Management.
The center also plays a significant role in the region's Youth Program Quality Intervention, which aims to improve the quality of after-school services across Richmond.
VISION AND MISSION
VISION
To be a regional leader in promoting positive youth development
MISSION
To foster the positive development and education of youth through innovative, sports-based programs that strengthen life skills, expand awareness and access to higher education opportunities, and empower adults to support positive youth development
KEY MILESTONES
2007
MFYC founded on VCU's Monroe Park Campus
2012
RichmondYPQI launched, growing to serve 55 sites by 2016
2023
RichmondYDN established as a regional professional development network
2024
Inaugural cohort of the VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management
STAFF
Misti R. Mueller, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Mary and Frances Youth Center
muellermr@vcu.edu
(804) 827-0802
Dr. Mueller serves as Executive Director of the Mary and Frances Youth Center at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she leads programs dedicated to supporting the healthy development of young people in the Richmond community. With a deep commitment to youth empowerment and educational equity, Mueller oversees the center's initiatives connecting VCU students, faculty, and staff with local youth through mentorship, enrichment, and community engagement. Her leadership reflects a vision of partnership between higher education and the surrounding community, ensuring that young people have access to the resources and relationships they need to thrive.
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Vaughn Whitney Garland, Ph.D.
Associate Director of Education and Outreach
Mary and Frances Youth Center
garlandvw@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2696
Dr. Vaughn Whitney Garland has over twenty-five years as a Richmond-based educator, community builder, and artist in Richmond. His expertise spans youth education, program development, fostering community dialogue, and contributing to place-making initiatives. Currently serving as the Associate Director of Education and Outreach at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, a Virginia Commonwealth University department under the Division of Community Engagement, Garland earned both a Ph.D. and an M.F.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has held positions in many of Richmond 's non-profit arts and cultural organizations.
Sharron McDaniel
Program Coordinator
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Sharron McDaniel serves as a youth development leader at the Mary and Frances Youth Center at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she helps design and lead programs that support the growth, well-being, and success of young people in the Richmond community. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with degrees in Social Work and African American Studies, McDaniel brings expertise in youth development, family engagement, mentorship, and leadership development. Through her work, she is committed to creating holistic, healing-centered opportunities that empower youth, strengthen families, and foster meaningful connections between young people and their communities. Her leadership reflects a dedication to helping every young person recognize their strengths, build confidence, and achieve their full potential.
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Stay up to date on MFYC programs, events, and opportunities. We would love to keep you connected to what's happening at the center and across the Richmond region.
Get in touch
We welcome your inquiries about programs, partnerships, and opportunities. Reach out to us directly by email or visit us at 120 South Linden Street on VCU's Monroe Park Campus.
