Blog

The 412 Youth Zone’s annual Thanksgiving feast was held on November 26th, 2025, and once again, it proved to be one of the most heart-warming days of the year. This was the second year we opened our doors not only to current members, but also to former Youth Zone members who have aged out of services—inviting them back to enjoy a meal and reconnect. From the moment you stepped into the lounge, the energy was high. Laughter carried across the room, smiles spread from table to table, and reunions unfolded in every corner. The space felt alive—filled with stories, hugs, and full stomachs. 

The feast itself was the definition of a community effort. Young people and staff came together throughout the week to prepare the dishes that have become staples of our celebration. On Monday, with the help of Mr. Tim from the Employment Institute, we crafted his famous sweet potato pies—an annual favorite. Tuesday brought some of the finishing touches to the sides. And by Wednesday, the kitchen buzzed with music, laughter and teamwork as we peeled and mashed more than 90 pounds of potatoes and carved turkey and ham for the big day. One of the most cherished parts of our feast is the growing tradition of incorporating generational family recipes shared by staff. These dishes have now been woven into Youth Zone traditions as well, and we look forward to them year after year. 

While the food is always a highlight, the power of this event runs deeper. The Thanksgiving meal is a true reflection of the community we’ve built at the Youth Zone—a place where young people feel connected, welcomed, and remembered long after they’ve moved on from the program. We had former members who aged out more than seven years ago walk through our doors this year. Many of them told us, without hesitation, that we can expect to see them again next Thanksgiving. Watching current members share tables with alumni, new staff get introduced to long-trusted faces, and long-time staff reconnect with young people they haven’t seen in years created a beautiful reminder of how lasting the connections in this space truly are.