Welcome to the Downtown Center Capital Campaign
A place where hope walks through the door
Spokane Youth for Christ is launching a $300,000 capital campaign to fully fund the opening and operation of our new Downtown Center — a safe, welcoming hub for under-resourced youth, just steps away from Lewis & Clark High School. This is more than a building. It’s a bold move to be present where the need is great, to meet students right where they are, and to walk with them toward the lives they were made for.
Join Us in Making This Place a Reality
This New Center will become a place where students can:
Be Mentored By Trusted Adults
Eat a Hot Meal After School
Learn Financial Literacy and Job Skills
Hear the Gospel in a Context of Love and Respect
Play and Laugh in a Safe, Welcoming Environment
Our Vision
“We don’t just want to meet needs. We want to come alongside youth as they discover their worth, their purpose, and their future in Christ.” - Kevin Illidge, Executive Director
The Downtown Center expands our holistic ministry model that addresses spiritual and moral literacy, financial literacy, educational success, basic health and safety, and social responsibility. Every dollar you give brings us closer to ensuring this space is fully staffed, fully resourced, and fully alive with the hope our youth deserve.
“We don’t just want to meet needs. We want to come alongside youth as they discover their worth, their purpose, and their future in Christ.” - Kevin Illidge, Executive Director
The Downtown Center expands our holistic ministry model that addresses spiritual and moral literacy, financial literacy, educational success, basic health and safety, and social responsibility. Every dollar you give brings us closer to ensuring this space is fully staffed, fully resourced, and fully alive with the hope our youth deserve.
What the $300,000 Will Fund
Your gift doesn’t just build a center. It builds trust, consistency, and a future for the next generation.
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This includes critical updates to make the Downtown Center a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for youth. Funds will cover: Remodeling and outfitting our on-site café, which doubles as a job training program for students learning customer service, food prep, and hospitality skills. Interior renovations: new flooring, lighting, paint, and furniture for common spaces, classrooms, and the mentorship lounge. Creating a flexible multipurpose room for workshops, clubs, and large group gatherings. Security and ADA compliance updates to ensure accessibility and safety for all students.
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The Downtown Center is currently under a two-year lease agreement, after which we hope to purchase the entire building. This $130,000 line item ensures we can confidently operate during the first year without interruption, covering: One year of commercial rent. Janitorial services to maintain a clean, safe environment for youth and staff. Facility insurance, maintenance, and utilities to support daily operations. This commitment provides the stability needed to launch programming with excellence while stewarding the space for long-term ownership and sustainability.
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This investment allows us to fully activate the Downtown Center with the tools, infrastructure, and protection needed to launch and sustain high-impact programming. This includes: Startup costs for new programs, including materials for life skills workshops, academic support, mentoring groups, and our faith-based clubs Technology upgrades such as computers, tablets, and digital resources for student learning and staff communication Security systems to ensure the safety of youth and staff, including cameras, access control, and emergency procedures Liability insurance to safeguard the organization and its participants as we expand operations in a high-traffic, urban environment This line item ensures the Center is equipped not only to serve students well but to do so responsibly and securely.
How You Can Help
GIVE
Make a one-time gift or become a monthly supporter.
SHARE
Spread the word with friends, churches, and businesses.
CONNECT
Do you know someone who wants to see Spokane’s youth thrive? Let’s talk.
Let’s Build Something That Lasts