In 2024, the City of Dayton experienced an alarming jump in youth-involved crimes, with juvenile homicides quadrupling and felonious assaults among youth victims increasing by 56 percent. This growing epidemic, coupled with a rising mental health crisis among this demographic, prompted religious and community leaders to intervene and come up with strategies to reduce violence and keep teens off the streets.
From this collaboration came Hope Zone RE-LITE NITE, a project that also was shaped through conversations with local youth who voiced their need for safe, judgment-free spaces. Spearheaded by Omega Community Development Corporation, with major funding from the Hope Zone Promise Neighborhood grant and the City of Dayton, the pro- gram provides a consistent space where teens can thrive, feel heard and participate in meaningful learning and enrichment opportunities in Northwest Dayton.
“Through ambassador roles, creative programming and access to mentorship, we aim to help youth build confidence, develop leadership skills and connect with resources that support their growth,” said Tracy Sibbing, managing director of Strategic Initiatives for Omega CDC.
“We’re already seeing incredible growth, not just in leadership through our teen ambassadors but in the everyday joy of teens being able to show up as themselves.”
– Tanae’ Waites, manager of Family Resource Coordination for Omega CDC
The Dayton Foundation supported the project with a $100,000 discretionary grant in 2025, which allowed Omega CDC to hire a safe-space site coordinator, provide participation incentives for youth ambassadors, and offer weekly engagement activities and supplies across multiple locations.
“The Dayton Foundation’s support has been instrumental in launching RE-LITE NITE,” Tracy said. “As Omega CDC and the broader community continue to explore ways to prioritize and expand opportunities for young people to live, learn and thrive in safe neighborhoods, the RE-LITE NITE pilot program stands out as a powerful example of what youth need – and want – to see in their communities. We are grateful for the Foundation’s commitment to being engaged and supporting our community’s young people.”
Through engaging and enriching weekly activities, the RE-LITE NITE program strengthens connections between families, faith organizations and local agencies to create a stronger support network for youth in Greater Dayton.
Since it began in May, the program has seen enthusiastic participation from teens across Northwest Dayton. Attendance has been strong for the weekly events held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which alternate locations between Bethesda Temple Apostolic Church and the Northwest Recreation Center. Attendees can choose from a wide variety of activities, including open gyms, creative labs, cooking classes, leadership development workshops and more.
“I’ve worked in the Northwest Dayton community for many years, much of that time alongside young people and their families. I haven’t been part of something as forward thinking and youth centered as RE-LITE NITE,” said Tanae’ Waites, manager of Family Resource Coordination for Omega CDC. “We’re already seeing incredible growth, not just in leadership through our teen ambassadors but in the everyday joy of teens being able to show up as themselves. That’s powerful. That’s the reason we do this work.”
This “everyday joy” has materialized for many participants, such as Ja’Niya Belcher, in the form of increased confidence, improved communication skills and a deeper sense of community.
“RE-LITE NITE has given me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and has provided me a new, safe space and an opportunity to put my faith in a teen program,” said Ja’Niya, a youth ambassador for the program. “I believe this is just the beginning, and the new generation is going to make a drastic change in our community. Our future will be bright, and RE-LITE NITE is just the first step.”