Our Story

Think back to when you were 13 years old. For some, that image evokes fond memories of carefree days with family and friends. Others remember a turbulent adolescence and the painful process of discovering who you are and where you fit in the world. Most people can recall someone who helped make those tough times easier. For youth in Sarasota County today, that guiding force is Community Youth Development (CYD).

CYD was formed in late 1995 as a resource for addressing the needs of teens in our community. We can all remember the challenges of those years in our own lives - the challenges that today's teen faces are more complex, the risks greater and with longer lasting consequences.

Every day, teens face decisions that determine whether they succeed in life or become another burden on society. That is whereCYD comes in. With the support of an appreciative community, CYD has been growing great kids for almost 20 years.