Community Investment Fund Spotlight: Youth House, Inc.

Get ready to be inspired! Learn to Earn Dayton Communications Intern, Caitlyn Russell, is sharing exclusive stories from the recipients of our Community Investment Fund. Discover the innovative ways these investments are shaping a brighter future for Dayton.

In Northwest Dayton, Youth House Inc. is empowering youth of color and building community strength through culturally grounded programs, essential resources, and safe, affirming spaces. The organization is shifting narratives, especially for Black boys and young men, with a bold, community-powered approach to youth development. From mentoring programs to resource distribution, Youth House Inc. is cultivating ecosystems of care where healing, leadership, and opportunity thrive.

Youth House Inc. is excited about the opportunity to invest in young people who are too often overlooked.

“Youth of color—especially Black boys—are one of our most valuable, untapped resources. We get to support them directly and also uplift the people and organizations fighting every day to pour into them.” said Thomas Scroggens, executive director of Youth House.

The organization is a bridge, connecting young leaders to essential tools like equipment, funding, and collaborative partnerships. Through this program, community leaders can focus on serving youth of color with creativity, care, and purpose.

Support from Learn to Earn Dayton’s Community Investment Fund (CIF), made possible by Blue Meridian Partners and local philanthropic organizations, has been a turning point in Youth House Inc’s journey. With CIF’s financial and peer learning support, Youth House was able to make critical investments in both direct services and long-term infrastructure.

The launch of a two-tiered Community Resource Closet has given immediate support for families. The first tier delivers urgent care packages, with essential hygiene items, school supplies, and food, directly addressing personal needs. The second tier acts as a force multiplier for local programs, providing shared access to vital tools like tablets, projectors, tents, and cameras. This innovative model strengthens the entire network of youth-serving organizations.

Beyond programmatic expansion, the CIF support has enabled Youth House Inc. to secure two physical spaces: a public-facing office hub and a dedicated private-partnership site. These spaces provide consistency and visibility for their impactful work, serving as stable anchors for their youth programs and coalition efforts. As Scroggins shares, "These spaces have helped us stabilize and scale. They’ve become a launching pad for even deeper, more creative investments in our community’s future."

Looking ahead, Youth House Inc is launching The Kingmaker Institute, an initiative designed as a pipeline of support and leadership for young men of color, starting from birth and continuing through early adulthood. The Kingmaker Institute will bring together educators, mentors, childcare providers, artists, and small businesses to provide culturally responsive programming, mentorship, and opportunity under one roof.

“Our goal is for Kingmaker to be a grassroots-led engine for healing, growth, and leadership. This work is urgent—and we’re ready to build it,” said Scroggins. The Kingmaker Institute represents a bold step forward in Youth House’s mission to create thriving futures. The organization plans to support up to 1,500 youth annually, expanding access mentorship, leadership, and resources. Youth House Inc. is about creating space for young men to be seen, to heal, to lead, and to grow.