Investing in the Next Generation of New Richmond, Ohio
Riverlight Center is a nonprofit youth organization dedicated to providing a safe, enriching, and supportive environment for children and teens in New Richmond, Ohio. Founded by registered nurse Laura Dale, Riverlight was created to fill a vital gap in our community, offering local youth a place where they can feel secure, inspired, and connected to caring mentors.
At Riverlight, young people are welcomed into a calm, creative, and supervised space designed to foster a sense of belonging, imagination, and growth. Daily drop-in hours provide access to books, games, crafts, and meaningful social interaction. At the same time, structured programs, including mentorship, movie nights, field trips, and creative workshops, give youth opportunities to explore their potential in a supportive environment.
Our long-term goal is to create a self-sustaining community hub that not only supports youth but also strengthens family and neighborhood connections. Modest income from birthday party rentals and refreshment sales helps supplement donations and grants, ensuring the center’s operations remain financially responsible and community-driven.
Our Mission
To provide a safe, enriching, and supportive environment where children and teens can relax, create, and connect, guided by trusted adults and surrounded by opportunities to learn, play, and thrive.
Our Vision
A thriving, connected community where every young person has access to safe spaces, meaningful experiences, and compassionate guidance.
Our Core Values
- Safety & Inclusion – Every child deserves to feel secure, accepted, and valued.
- Empowerment – We help youth discover their voice, strengths, and potential.
- Community – We strengthen bonds between children, families, and neighbors.
- Creativity & Exploration – We nurture curiosity through art, play, and discovery.
- Integrity & Stewardship – We manage all resources transparently and responsibly.
- Compassionate Guidance – We believe trusted adult relationships change lives.
Why Riverlight Matters
Like many rural towns across America, New Richmond faces growing challenges, from economic hardship to the social impacts of addiction and isolation. For local youth, these pressures often manifest as a lack of safe spaces, positive role models, and constructive activities outside of school.
Riverlight Center is designed to change that. By providing a stable, nurturing environment and consistent mentorship, we give young people the foundation to make healthy choices, build confidence, and form a vision for their future.
The ripple effect of this investment extends beyond the children themselves, strengthening families, reducing risk behaviors, and fostering a more resilient, connected community.
A Community Effort
Riverlight Center represents what’s possible when a community decides to invest in its own future. The renovation of our riverfront building is underway through local partnerships, volunteer labor, and grassroots fundraising. Every donation, whether financial, material, or in-kind, directly contributes to transforming this vision into reality.
Together, we can light a path forward for the next generation.