Community partner program
The community partner program serves up to 40 youth a day, offering afterschool programming five days a week. Youth in the program are participants with one of several community partner organizations.
Participants come to the center on selected days during the week, with some youth coming to the center once a week and others attending twice a week. This program gives students the opportunity to participate on and off the tennis court during their time at the youth center.
Program activities
Join us for our Pickleball 101 and 102 community programs at the Mary and Frances Youth Center! Whether you're a beginner looking to master the basics or an intermediate player aiming to refine your skills, our programs cater to all levels of experience.
Pickleball 101 kicks off Tuesday September 10th, and concludes on October 22th. Dive into the fundamentals of pickleball every Friday from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Following that, Pickleball 202 begins on Tuesday November 5th, running until December 10th, offering participants the chance to take their game to the next level.
No need to worry about equipment—we've got you covered. Just bring yourself and your enthusiasm to learn and play!
Payment is conveniently accepted via check or card on the first day of the program. Please note that we do not accept cash payments. Checks should be made out to the Mary and Frances Youth Center. The total cost for all four weeks of either program is $100, with no partial payments accepted.
Special pricing for VCU Students and Staff. Don't forget to bring your VCU ID.
Remember, separate registration forms are required for each individual participant.
Have questions or need more information about pricing? Reach out to Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu. We look forward to seeing you on the court!
Youth Tennis Program
Join our Youth Tennis Program, a comprehensive 6-week instructional course designed for students aged 8-15 years old who are eager to learn tennis. No prior skills or equipment are required. Sessions will be held every Friday at MFYC from August 30th to October 4th, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to improve your tennis skills and have fun!
Register your child at this link & we will see you on the court!
EmpowerED Spaces: A Youth Healing and Education Series aims to empower educators and youth development professionals in creating spaces where youth can engage in transformative learning experiences while also addressing and supporting emotional well-being. Speakers recognize the interconnectedness of education and healing, aiming to empower youth to navigate challenges, thrive in their educational journeys, and cultivate resilience for a brighter future.
Sponsored by RichmondYDN, VCU Mary Frances Youth Center & VCU Minority Education Center
BREATHE EASY! PARENT NIGHT
This fun packed family engagement night is focused on healthy relationships, increasing self-esteem, self-image and understanding the signs of damaging and destructive behavior from loved ones, interest partners, and friends. With the overarching idea that positively loving yourself and investing in yourself can extend life.
Meet Dre'mon Miller, founder and owner of Street Smartz Safety. He launched his business in August of 2021 with the goal of providing enriching experiences to the community. As a native of Richmond, Virginia, he grew up in some of the most impoverished neighborhoods in the area. This upbringing motivated him to start his business and contribute to empowering both youth and adults in his community. With a deep understanding of the area’s dynamics, Dre'mon connects with youth on all levels and brings fun into learning. He has witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of neglect, peer pressure, and a lack of confidence on young people. Dre'mon strives to be a calm, reassuring voice, reminding youth that their lives are worth living.
An uncle, former law enforcement officer, mentor for VCU’s African American Alumni Council, educator with Richmond Public Schools, and adjunct professor at J. Sargent Reynolds Community College, Dre'mon is deeply committed to empowering, teaching, and encouraging individuals to reach their fullest potential. He serves as a role model for the youth in his community, helping them exceed their own expectations and achieve their goals.
This event is open to all Richmond parents. (Workshop limited to 25 registrations.)
Contact garlandvw@vcu.edu for more information and to register.