The Safe Places Initiative, now renamed Forged Futures, is a collaboration between local community organizations that began in 2021 with an initial grant of $250,000 from 1889 Foundation to create safe programs at safe spaces for young people in the Cambria-Somerset area. The comprehensive set of programs serves a wide range of ages, which allows each organization to focus on its target audience.

Through the Forged Futures collaboration, a series of overlapping programs provide positive role models, encourage strong character development, promote physical activity and healthy behaviors, present substance use prevention and mental health interventions, and quality in-person interactions.

Working with youth requires proper training of volunteers and staff. All volunteers and staff involved in the programs are trained in abuse prevention and appropriate touch. They also have state clearances tracked and the Greater Johnstown Community YMCA trains them in safe practices.

Currently, the following nine organizations are providing programs and activities for youth and young adults under the Forged Futures Initiative:

  • 1st Summit Arena at Cambria County War Memorial provides The Ticket Wish Program which provides tickets for over forty sports and cultural events held at 1st Summit Arena and the North Central Recreation Center. Tickets are provided to families throughout the Cambria-Somerset region for underserved youth and teenagers who can’t afford to attend various events throughout the year.
  • Big Shotz Elite provides the Future Leadership Program to grades 8-12, the Grassroots Basketball Program to various age groups, the Little Big Shots to grades 6-8, the Feet off the Street/Ball over Bullets 3 versus three events for students in middle school through high school, and the Big Life Hack Program.
  • Coaches 4 Kids provides Saturday Night Life and the Kastle Squires Mentorship Program for ages 15-18, Kastle Knights Mentorship Program for ages 18-25, and the Empowerment Together Network (Special Needs Bocce Ball Program).
  • Flood City Youth Fitness Academy provides after school and summer programs to children in the City of Johnstown grades K-12. Programs include tutoring, mentoring, STEM, physical fitness, and family engagement programs. Meals and transportation are also provided.
  • Hope 4 Johnstown (H4J) aims to foster unity, safety, empowerment, and non-violence throughout Johnstown. The H4J Initiative serves a diverse population, with significant engagement among youth ages 13-24. Activities range from large community events and neighborhood gatherings to violence participation efforts with trained violence interrupters that has resulted in a recent significant reduction of gun-related incidents. H4J also offers Weekend Positive Pull-Ups, safe spaces for young people to connect with role models and participate in activities that encourage personal growth and community involvement.
  • New Day provides afterschool programs, Friday Night Program, Youth Groups, Sports Ministry, and Spiritual and Emotional Support
  • Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is working in conjunction with Coaches for Kids to provide tuition and fees for ten students: workplace readiness training, basic skills training, and group advising for twenty young adults
  • Windber Recreation/School District will provide youth basketball, Java Nights, Art Therapy Nights, Saturday Night Live Fun & Field Day, and Movie Nights
  • Greater Johnstown Community YMCA offers Friday Night Safe Spaces, a Creative Arts Program, and the Safety Around Water Program for grades 5-8

Over 50 weeks, more than 745 young people (ages 5-25) are participating in weekly events through the Forged Futures Initiative.

For many of the programs and activities, transportation and food are provided.

1889 Foundation is happy to support these initiatives that allow learning, fun, and mentorship in safe places.