Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Depot Youth Center
Legal Name (if Different): The Depot
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 25 Heights Road
City: Darien
State: CT
Postal Code: 06820
Main Phone: 203-655-0812
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.depotdarien.com
Employer ID Number: 06-1269671
Organization Tax Status: 501 c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 1/23/2024
Requested Amount: $1,000

Project Title: Youth Programming
Project Description:

The mission of our organization is: Supporting the well-being of our youth by giving them opportunities to connect, grow and give back. We target ALL middle and high school youth in Darien, which means The Depot is an available resource to over 3,500 tweens and teens.

Darien is not insulated from the youth mental health crisis affecting our nation. As seen in the 2023 Thriving Youth Darien Survey, 1 in 4 high schoolers and 1 in 5 middle schoolers reported experiencing ongoing depression and anxiety. These numbers are higher for girls, and higher still for youth who identify as LGBTQ+. Additionally, the survey showed Darien’s teens report drinking alcohol in the past 30 days at a much higher rate than our surrounding towns by the time they are in 12th grade. Our youth are struggling and The Depot is one of the few places that they can find the support they need in an inclusive and safe environment. The Depot offers a wide range of diverse programming and peer connections that address these trends and assist teens and tweens with developing positive self-esteem and leadership skills, for example:

Our SADD and 8th grade SADD programs offer peer education about the pitfalls of destructive decisions and how to avoid them. Our high school and middle school events, such as high school Free Friday events, middle school themed parties, and end-of-year ice cream and pizza events for grades 4-12, offer drug- and substance-free alternatives for Darien’s youth, providing a safe environment and negating or delaying underage alcohol and substance use.

Clubs like empowHER and the Student League of Darien offer connections by having upperclassmen mentor 9th and 10th graders – helping them feel seen, and providing speakers on important topics like mental health, bystander intervention, and goal setting.

Research indicates that those who consistently help others experience less depression, greater calm, and better health. The Depot’s Volunteer Club, Helping Hands, Student Governing Board, and Smiles for Seniors are all rooted in the belief that giving back to our larger community is an important part of youth wellbeing.

We know from the results of the Thriving Youth Survey that Darien youth are struggling. The Depot strives to create an inclusive environment where our youth can connect, grow and give back.

Our middle school programs like The Challenge, Deep Roots, M3, Mind + Body Rowing, and Choose Love teach teamwork, self-care, mindfulness, kindness, and empathy at this critical period of tween development.

We offer support groups for LGBTQ+ youth through Kids in Crisis and for parents through NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, to provide comprehensive support to these youth and their families who are struggling.

Total Project Budget: $574,925

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): The majority of our funding comes from individuals. We are reaching out to Foundations to diversify our funding.

Project Duration: Year-Round
Geographical Area Served: Darien, CT
Age Group To Be Served: Open to all middle and high school students

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Amy
Contact Last Name: Daniels
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 203-655-0812
Contact Email: executivedirector@dariendepot.com