Why We Do It

Brighton Center is truly a community based agency. Our work is not driven by trends or fads, but by the needs of the community. Many traditional agencies assume to know the barriers their community faces or the hopes and dreams of those they serve. The Center's approach to work is based on the fact that individuals know their situations best so we join them in working toward solutions. A safe, affordable place for you and your family to live. Better educational opportunities for your children and a better quality of life. Everyday, Brighton Center works at engaging our communities' seniors, adults and youth to bring about change and hope.

What We Do

Youth Leadership Development (YLD)
YLD is a comprehensive, after school program for youth ages 9-15. Throughout the academic year in three Northern Kentucky locations (Dayton, Newport, and Silver Grove) YLD groups meet to go over the 34 week curriculum. While there are structured lessons throughout the school year, this program works as the youth are actively participating in the learning process through hands-on activities and experiences. A big component of this program is expanding the horizons of the youth by encouraging them think about the future including post-secondary education and even the career fields they would like to work in. The youth are in engaged through college tours and job shadowing opportunities. Service learning via community service projects also allows the youth to apply their newly acquired skills in real world settings.

Building self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills, YLD is certainly not the typical after school program. The 80 youth who participate in the program are reimagining a new future for themselves. One where goals are realized, friendship and connections are forged, and dreaming big is the new reality.

For YLD newsletter, click here

Community Organizing
Community Organizing is a program that is relationship based and works with the residents of Newport. The program strives to educate the community about the depth of services that Brighton Center offers will help the residents reach their self-sufficiency goals. Advocacy is stressed and we work with parents to help them better engage in their child's education while also bridging the gap with the local schools to promote greater parental involvement. We also participate in neighborhood association meetings that strive to solidify future economic development, working for safer communities, and offering affordable activities for families.

Clothing Closet
The Clothing Closet provides high-quality, affordable clothing and household products for everyone from families in crisis to frugal shoppers. Many families receive their clothing free through clothing vouchers that are issued through Family Support.

The Clothing Closet is located inside our Family Center building.
799 Ann Street
Newport, KY 41071
859.491.8303, ext. 2331

Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday

Shop
The Clothing Closet offers great prices on quality merchandise donated by the community – new and gently used clothing, outerwear, shoes, accessories, books, small appliances, and other household items. New products arrive daily, and the thrift store regularly holds sales and incentives for customers.

Proceeds from the Clothing Closet stay in our community and support Brighton Center's programming. Your purchase can make a difference!

Donate
Donated items can be dropped off at the Clothing Closet's side door (beside our Family Center building at 799 Ann Street) Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All donations must be in good condition and working order. Please use discretion when making a donation. Items we cannot accept include:

• Used building materials
• Non-working appliances
• Electrical items with torn, frayed, or broken cords
• Chemicals, pesticides, or flammable materials

For the donation of large household items, please contact Beth Hodge at bhodge@brightoncenter.com or 859.491.8303, ext. 2331, before dropping the items off.

Holiday Drive
Embrace the true meaning of the season by brightening the holidays for others. There are several easy ways to get involved: adopt-a-family, make a used toy donation, or volunteer. Families, businesses, schools, etc. "adopt" families and purchase items that fit that families specific needs. We also accept donations of new toys and personal care items for newborns to teens. The parents then come and select the items their children would like. Donations of gently used toys are also accepted for our Used Toy Sale that allows children to purchase items for their brothers and sisters. This event instills them with pride as they look for the perfect gift. There is a nominal price on the items (a quarter or a dime) and the proceeds go to our Youth Sewing Class.
For more information or to volunteer please contact Beth Hodge at 859.491.8303, ext. 2331 or bhodge@brightoncenter.com

Community Events
Community events strengthen the ties and bonds of our neighborhoods and instill a sense of pride and belonging. For over three decades, Brighton Center has hosted a Community Celebration in the west end of Newport. This free, family oriented event is a tradition that everyone looks forward to attending and serves as a way to connect generations and culture. Featuring the diversity of our region, this event includes a grill out, bean supper, bluegrass music, and games.

Volunteer Program
Everyone wants to be a part of something that is larger than themselves. We all have distinct skills, talents, passions, and abilities to offer. Because Brighton Center is uniquely comprehensive in our programs, we offer a full spectrum of volunteer opportunities that will certainly fit your interests. We utilize over 1,400 individuals yearly to better serve the community. You can be a part of Brighton Center by volunteering in many ways - from mentoring a young person, sorting donations, teaching professional skills to job-seekers, or create your very own volunteer experience. To get started or to check out our current volunteer opportunities, click here.

Volunteers are essential to the work that we do to fulfill our mission and serve our community.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
RSVP is America's largest volunteer network for people 55 and over. Join RSVP and you join nearly 500,000 volunteers across the country who are tackling tough issues in their communities. RSVP offers a full range of volunteer opportunities with many local non-profit organizations. Volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to 40 hours per week.
 
RSVP is a funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

For more information or to check out current RSVP volunteer opportunities, click here.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
The SMP program empowers seniors through increased awareness and understanding of healthcare programs. This knowledge helps seniors to protect themselves from the economic and health-related consequences of Medicare and Medicaid fraud, error and abuse. SMP projects also work to resolve beneficiary complaints of potential fraud in partnership with state and national fraud control/consumer protection entities including Medicare contractors and state Medicaid fraud control units. The activities of the SMP program also serve to enhance the financial, emotional, physical, and mental well-being of older adults - thereby increasing their capacity to maintain security and independence in retirement, and to make better financial and healthcare choices.

What We've Done

Youth Leadership Development saw 98% of participating youth promoted to the next grade level. The Clothing Closet assisted 10,590 individuals with clothing and household items. 2,379 individuals received food and toys for Christmas thanks to our generous donors through our Holiday Drive. Brighton Center has been the sponsor for the Northern Kentucky RSVP since 1996. During 2011 - 2012, RSVP volunteers contributed 55,476 service hours to 33 different non-profits in Northern Kentucky. The value of this service was $1,184,967*.

*Based on the Independent Sector's estimated value of a volunteer hour.

Contact Us:
799 Ann Street, P.O. Box 325
Newport, KY 41072-0325
Phone: 859-491-8303
Fax: 859-491-8702