Firth Youth Center

09/01/2026

🚨BIG NEWS🚨

A wonderful supporter is helping us raise some additional funds to sustain youth programs by donating a set of 4 Front Row New York Yankees Tickets (plus all the perks of the Legends Suite Club) for us to raffle off again! 🥳
Winning ticket includes:
⚾️4 Front Row seats behind home plate at 1 game in 2027 season. 5 game options will be provided when schedule is released.
⚾️Fine dining at exclusive, bi-level Legends Suite Club.
⚾️21+ Beverages at the JBL Lounge in the Legends Suite Club

TWO WAYS TO PURCHASE YOUR $100 TICKET FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:
1. Online NOW through 9/9/26 at firthyouthcenter.com/banquet
2. In-person on 9/10/26 at the 35th Annual Banquet (Guests only).

Live drawing will be held on 9/10/26 at the FYC'S 35th Annual Banquet. Winner does not need to be present to win and will be notified by 9/11/26. Must be 18 years or older to purchase a ticket. The Banquet is SOLD OUT and pre-purchased guest tickets are required to attend the event.

Check out the flyer for all the details! Help us spread the word by *SHARING* this post. 🙏

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE JOSEPH FIRTH YOUTH CENTER, A 501C3 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEVOTED TO SERVING THE VULNERABLE YOUTH OF PHILLIPSBURG, NJ SINCE 1954 THROUGH A WIDE VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL, AND ATHLETIC OPPORTUNITIES.

08/31/2026

It's OFFICIAL…
For the 7th consecutive year, the Firth Youth Center Annual Awards Banquet is SOLD OUT😱

On Thursday, September 10th, 2️⃣5️⃣5️⃣ FYC Faithful will to congratulate our deserving award recipients and celebrate the countless individuals who have helped the FYC expand services, sustain operations, and improve the place that has been a "home" to generations of P'burg youth. 💙

A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to everyone who shared our posts, told their friends or colleagues, is sponsoring the event, or did anything else to help make this happen! We are humbled, grateful, and super excited. 🥰

For updates on the celebration, be sure to follow the event page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1567878281695980

08/31/2026

The Firth Youth Center and Tri County Care Management Organization are excited to announce...Stronger Together: An Inclusive, Family-Centered Music Therapy Series 🥳💪🤍
This program will provide inclusive music classes tailored to accommodate and support the individual abilities and needs of differently-abled youth. Through music, participants will have opportunities to develop creativity, self-expression, communication, confidence, and social skills while building an appreciation for music in a nurturing and supportive environment. Stronger Together encourages parent/guardian and sibling participation, and is completely FREE to families!

Each session includes:
6:15-7pm: Enrollees will partake in music classes led by a certified, credentialed instructor from Unity Music in a classroom. Parents/guardians are encouraged to participate with their children or watch the session. Simultaneously, siblings will enjoy other physical activities led by FYC Staff in the Gym such as Relay Races, Knock-Out Basketball, or Kickball.
7-7:45pm: Families will reconnect in the Multipurpose Room to enjoy a catered family dinner and play an interactive game with prizes.

Registration for Session 1 is LIVE at: www.firthyouthcenter.com/strongertogether. Space is limited. A confirmation email will be sent to reserve the enrollee's spot.

Enrollees must be 8-12 years old and have a 2026-27 Membership/Emergency Contact Form completed.
Siblings participating in the program must be 6-17 years old and have a 2026-27 Membership/Emergency Contact Form completed.
Parents/guardians must fill out a 2026-27 Adult Membership Form.
Membership fees for "Stronger Together" participants are waived and the program is completely free to families.

Questions?
☎️ 908.454.7281
📧 [email protected]

08/28/2026

UPDATE: We're less than 2-weeks away from the FYC's 35th Annual Banquet...and there are only 3️⃣ seats remaining! Please call 908-454-7281 or email [email protected] if you are interested in attending.

We're so looking forward to making this an unforgettable night for award recipients, donors, volunteers, and supporters. 🫶

We're 6-weeks away from the FYC's 35th Annual Banquet...and we're already receiving dozens of response cards and sponsorships in the mail. 💙

Our last few banquets were SOLD OUT and we fully intend to again! Our Leadership Team and Banquet Committee are looking forward to making this an evening our guests, award recipients, selfless volunteers, and FYC faithful won't soon forget. The Annual Banquet will be hosted on Thursday, Sept. 10th at 5pm at the Firth Youth Center! We are thrilled to bring the Banquet "home" again this by hosting it inside the FYC building.

This year, the Board looks forward to formally recognizing the following award recipients:
🌟Linda Snyder, Lifetime Achievement Award
🌟Hull of a Balloon, Volunteer Service Award
🌟Owen Garriques, Youth Volunteer Service Award
🌟St. Luke's University Health Network, Organization of the Year Award
Also, the Board of Directors will dedicate the 35th Annual Banquet in loving memory of Brett and Larry Marino.

Formal invitations were sent out early last week. If you do not typically receive an invitation or have moved, please reach out and we'd be happy to send one to you! You can also learn more about the event, see pictures from past years, and request invitations and/or sponsorship information on our website: www.firthyouthcenter.com/banquet.

Please consider helping us recognize these incredible award recipients, acknowledge many other selfless volunteers, and celebrate the Firth Youth Center's 72nd year of service to the children of Phillipsburg. 💙




The Firth Youth Center is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization devoted to serving the vulnerable youth of Phillipsburg, NJ since 1954 through a wide variety of educational, recreational, and athletic opportunities. All donations made to the Firth Youth Center are tax deductible.

08/27/2026

Looking for a way to make a difference in the community? Join The FYC Team! 🥳 We're now hiring for Direct-Care Staff Positions.

Candidates must be at least 18 years old and be available 3 days a week during After-School Hours (2:45-6pm). If interested, applications are available on our website or at FYC Front Desk.
www.FirthYouthCenter.com/employment

Questions?
☎ 908.454.7281
📧 [email protected]

08/21/2026

Yesterday, Thursday, August 20th, we hosted the 8th Annual "Hooray! It's Back to School Day!" Event🥳

2️⃣7️⃣2️⃣ Jam-packed bookbags were distributed…with over 5️⃣0️⃣ more distributed to those on the Wait List this afternoon!
7️⃣3️⃣ Hair-cuts were provided by licensed professionals!
1️⃣0️⃣ Kids had their hair styled into incredible braids!..and countless smiles FILLED the FIRTH as Phillipsburg kids started to feel ready for school again! ☺️

Many, many, many people deserve PRAISE for putting together this wonderful, much-needed event...
💙 To all our P'burgians and FYC Faithful who continue to support the mission of the work we do! The volume of donated school supplies was absolutely insane. We could not have packed over 400 backpacks without the countless drop-offs, online order shipments, and over-flowing shopping bags left on our porch. Whether you dropped off a few packs of pencils, shipped boxes from our Amazon Wish List, or swung by with a truckload from your company or community organization, it would not have been possible without all of YOU stepping up to help! This event truly takes a village... and our village is powerful 🫶
💙 Special thanks to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church, Kiwanis Club of Phillipsburg, Christine Wolff from Wolff Works, and the Phillipsburg Rotary Club for hosting supply drives for specific items! This event wouldn't be possible without community partners stepping up to help support our youth.
💙 Members from St. James Lutheran Church and St. Luke's Episcopal Church who volunteered to stuff all 400+ backpacks on Tuesday afternoon!
💙 The professionals at B&J's ChopShop, Jenn Truby, Kellyann Fehley, and Fernando & his Lifestyle Barber Academy students, all of whom volunteered their services to help children look and feel their best as they embark on a new school year! Byron of B&J’s ChopShop has supported this event since inception and we could not be more grateful for his incredible dedication!
💙 To our friend, Bianca, who facilitated the hair braiding services with her crew alongside one of our friends from Tri County CMO! The smiles of the children with freshly braided hair styles were so incredible🥰
💙 To our faithful volunteers who stepped up without hesitation (yet again). You all made the kids and families feel so welcome and excited for the upcoming year! Georgia, Laura, Michele, Sherry, Susan, Hope, Jan, Mother Ann, and Joan...we're so grateful🙌
💙 To our partner agencies who came to set-up information tables for families who could benefit from the services they offer. We never thought the event could grow bigger, but you all were a wonderful and welcomed addition to our families. The following agencies were on-site the entire event: Tri County Care Management Organization, Project Self-Sufficiency, Phillipsburg School District, Center for Family Services: Prevention Connections, DASACC, Norwescap Child and Family Resource Services, Star Community Health, Abilities of Northwest Jersey, and Warren County Department of Human Services. THANK YOU ALL for bringing your services directly to the families!
💙 To long-time FYC Supporters, HullofaBalloon, who provided the BEAUTIFUL balloons! They continuously donate their masterpieces for our holiday events, so we knew just who to call for Hooray Day! with the pencil-themed picture station and colorful decorations throughout the gym, this company shattered all expectations 🤩
💙 To our friends at McWane Ductile, who stepped up BIG by sponsoring 2026 Hooray! Day! The expenses related to run an event of this magnitude are high, so having their support truly helps sustain this much-needed community event.
💙 To our staff who are willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to uplift our P'burg youth! From dozens of phone calls, hundreds of emails, organizing nearly 400 appointments, setting up for hours the day before, and thinking through every detail to make the event as smooth as possible… your devotion to the families we serve is unwavering.
💙 And, finally, THANK YOU to the Hooray Day Committee... Joan Lichtenwalner, Hope Duncan (Rupell Funeral Home, LLC), Mother Ann (St. Luke's Episcopal Church), Laura Azzalina, and FYC Staff, who worked incredibly hard to make this day come together! Year 1 started with a little over 100 kids served and now the event is broaching the 400 mark with additions such as hair braiding, community agencies, and more. Thank you for your tireless efforts on "Hooray! It's Back to School Day!" 🥳

08/19/2026

While we're winding down and gearing up for the annual Hooray! It's Back to School Day! event, Fall planning is underway...

🥳 The FYC is NOW HIRING for Direct-Care Staff Positions! Candidates must be at least 18 years old and be available 3 days a week during After-School Hours (2:45-6pm). If interested, applications are available on our website or at FYC.
🥳 After-School Care will begin on Monday, August 31st. It runs Monday-Friday 2:45-6pm for Grades 2nd-8th. The enrollment packet and additional information hs been uploaded to our website. Check it out here: https://www.firthyouthcenter.com/afterschoolcare
🥳 Drop-In programs will resume on Monday, September 14th. See the flyer for all the details!

Starting Monday, August 31st, all youth visiting the FYC must have the 2026-2027 FYC Membership/Emergency Contact Form. NO Memberships will roll over from the Summer. Copies are available on our website or at the FYC front desk.
*Those residing in the Housing Authority must complete through the PHA Office and the Membership Fee will be waived, just contact ROSS Coordinator, Becky Johnson at [email protected].*

Questions?
💻 www.FirthYouthCenter.com
☎ 908.454.7281
📧 [email protected]

08/18/2026

Week 9 of was MARVELOUS! 🎉

Highlights included...
⭐ The last Walking Field Trip to the Phillipsburg Elementary School Pool 🏊 Thank you to Dr. Troxell, Dr. Noel, and the PES Staff for setting up this opportunity again this year!
⭐ The 2026 Annual FYC Summer Camp Talent Show (See below!)
⭐ A visit from several PHS Football Players, who taught Campers how to pass and kick in preparation for the Punt Pass Kick Event this October! It’s so heartwarming to watch the older kids volunteer their time with the younger kiddos. 💙 Stayed tuned for more information about Punt Pass Kick soon!
⭐ Two Walking Trips to Walter’s Park Pool. The kiddos love getting to cool off in the pool and swim with their friends!
⭐ A Nutrition Class with Miss Jane and Miss Naomi from Zufall Health! Campers learned about portion sizes, the positive impacts of a well-balanced diet, and got to make their own delicious fruit and yogurt parfaits!
⭐ A beautiful Fri-Yay Trip to Belvidere Pool ☀️
⭐️ A special Photo Booth visit! Campers had the opportunity to pose with their friends and take home a keepsake to remember this awesome Summer!
⭐️ Music Class with Miss Madison! 🎶
⭐ Our Counselors-in-Training (CIT) Recognition! 🎉 We’re so proud of our amazing CITs for dedicating their time and efforts to help our staff throughout ! Last Wednesday, Miss Kelly spoke about each CIT and shared how they all embraced their role as a mentor, role model, and leader to the younger kiddos this Summer. Zoey, Desiree, Lily, Jayda, RJ, Ruby, and Jack…we are beyond thankful for you and your efforts! 🥰
⭐ A Sports Injury Safety Workshop with Miss Delmy from the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey! During this interactive presentation, Campers discussed the importance of recognizing concussion symptoms and staying safe while playing sports. 🧠
⭐ The final trip to the Camp Store, where Campers spent all of their hard-earned "Camp Cash" on rewards for their positive behavior! Many even “drained” their “Savings Accounts” knowing it was their final trip to the store. 💰
⭐ The 2026 FYC Art Show! Campers were able to choose up to three art pieces they created throughout this Summer to display for friends, family, and judges. Congratulations to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners! Plus, a big THANK YOU to Miss Kelly, who created the weekly projects and teaches our kiddos with such patience and passion! 🎨
⭐ And...FIVE Campers received the Camper of the Day award 👏

In addition, the much-anticipated 2026 Annual Summer Camp Talent Show was hosted last Thursday! Our honorary guest judges included FYC All-Star Volunteer, Mrs. Debbie Reda; PPK Committee Member, Mr. Ernie Honey; Miss Crystal from Unity Bank; Board Members Mr. Mike Weirsky and Mr. Mike Pintabone; and President/CEO of Lee Services, Dr. Lorraine D’Sylva-Lee. Our talented acts had an audience full of parents/guardians, FYC Faithful Supporters, and the Lee Services Crew! Lee Services even submitted two speciality acts in our Talent Show and were cheered on by our Campers. 🫶

There were 17 acts, including comedians, magicians, cheerleaders, keyboard players, singers, and a Martial Arts demonstration (aka Miss Kelly, Miss Keely, Miss Meghan & Miss Ashlee 😂)! Plus, a few of our Staff entered acts too!
The absolute best part of the Talent Show is seeing all of the kids cheering on their peers as they exhibit confidence and courage on stage. 💙 A special CONGRATULATIONS to all the Campers who received coveted awards, including:
🏆 Best Group Performance
🏆 Best Stage Presence
🏆 Rising Star Award
🏆 Special Visitor Award
🏆 Best Staff Act
🏆 Bleacher Creature (Best Audience Member)

We're so proud of everyone who had the courage to take the stage last week!

The fun continues during the final week of as the Lafayette College Landis Center volunteers will once again help run the activities throughout the week! 🎉 For more information about any of our programs, please visit www.firthyouthcenter.com.