At O-I-See Youth Strategies, growth does not only happen in structured sessions. It happens in real spaces: libraries, gyms, farms, art centers, parks, and small businesses throughout the St. Croix Valley.

 

We believe youth build confidence, independence, and self-understanding when they practice life in real community environments. Every outing is intentional. Mentors prepare youth beforehand, support them in the moment, and reflect afterward to build insight and lasting skills.

 

We are grateful to be deeply woven into the communities we serve.

 

Our Community Partnerships

These organizations have partnered with O-I-See Youth in meaningful and generous ways.

 

Next Generation Auto- Hudson, WI

A long-standing supporter of O-I-See Youth. Their generosity over the years has helped keep our vehicles safe and our youth connected to meaningful community experiences.

 

University of Wisconsin–River Falls Criminology and Sociology Department

Through speaking engagements and collaborative opportunities, we’ve connected professional development work with higher education, leadership exploration, and community engagement.

 

Costco- Woodbury, MN

Through generous support of supplies and snacks, Costco has helped us create welcoming, nourishing environments for youth programming.

 

YMCA- Hudson, WI

Provides space where youth can build physical wellness, social confidence, and positive peer experiences.

 

The Centre- New Richmond, WI

Offers youth access to health, fitness, and community-based experiences that support whole-person growth.

 

Leisen Family Farm- Roberts, WI

A meaningful agricultural partner offering youth opportunities to connect with responsibility, nature, and seasonal rhythms in a grounded setting.  Check them out on Facebook!

 

Community Spaces We Learn In

Youth development is experiential. We intentionally utilize community spaces across Hudson, River Falls, Somerset, New Richmond, Star Prairie, and surrounding areas to practice life skills in real-world settings.  A space we all love are our community libraries.  We love the kits that can be checked out in Hudson, reserving the kitchen in Somerset, checking out the coffee shop in New Richmond, utilizing private space in Roberts, and supporting Hammond’s library as they get ready to build a new one! Here are some more of our staff favorites to explore with youth:

 

Hudson

*Phipps Center for the Arts: A fellow nonprofit offering free art galleries where youth explore the senses, experience new perspectives, and build awareness through creative expression.

*Hudson Area Public Library: A dynamic community space where youth check out the Nintendo Switch, explore craft and game areas, and engage with LEGO and science kits that spark creativity and hands-on learning. Lots of free events also!

*Weitkamp Park: An accessible, inclusive park where youth build confidence, social skills, and comfort participating alongside peers of all abilities.

*Angel’s Pet World: With an adult present and clear guidelines, youth practice kindness and responsibility by spending time with adoptable cats, building empathy through gentle interaction. They also get to learn about each cat’s story as well- deepening empathy skills and understanding.

*Carpenter Nature Center: A peaceful natural setting where youth explore trails, wildlife, and environmental learning while building reflection, curiosity, and connection to the outdoors.

 

River Falls

*Game Quest Gaming: A community-centered game store offering free weekly events and open play tables, where youth practice social skills and shared interests through games like Pokémon and other card-based play.

Fox Den Books: A welcoming local bookstore that encourages curiosity, independent choice-making, and meaningful conversations sparked by books.

Glen Park: A scenic park with wooded trails and a swinging bridge leading to the Kinnickinnic River, where youth engage in movement, reflection, and nature immersion.

Hoffman Park: Featuring the inclusive Tri-Angels Playground, disc golf course, and wooded trails, this park encourages belonging, movement, and shared experiences for youth of all abilities.

 

Somerset

Somerset Public Library: A vibrant local library with frequent events and a community kitchen that supports skill-building, connection, and active participation.

Larry Forest Park: A beloved local park honoring community legacy, featuring a walking trail, playground, courts, and fields — a place where youth build confidence, social connection, and movement skills.

Parnell Prairie Preserve: A thoughtfully restored prairie that models renewal and resilience, providing youth space for walking, reflection, and open-sky exploration.

 

New Richmond

The New Richmond Library: A newly updated community library that fosters belonging, exploration, and confident participation.

Sather Nature Center: A riverside natural space with walking paths where youth engage in outdoor exploration and reflection.

Mary Park: A community park featuring a playground and walking trails along the flowage, where youth build confidence through play and engage in reflective walking conversations near the water.

Doer Prairie: A thoughtfully restored prairie with accessible paved trails that supports mindful walking, outdoor confidence, and connection to the land.

 

Star Prairie & Surrounding Areas

Riverwood Nature Center: A riverside nature space with a community resale store that supports outdoor exploration and real-world social practice.

Saratoga Springs Park: A park reflecting the area’s early 1800s settlement history, offering youth opportunities to explore local heritage while engaging in outdoor movement and reflection.

McMurtrie Nature Preserve: A quiet, wooded preserve just outside of town where youth experience dense forest trails, reflective walking, and calm nature immersion.

 

How We Intentionally Use Community Spaces

Every community outing includes:

• Preparation before entering the space
• Skill-building during the experience
• Reflection and processing afterward
• Connection to each youth’s individual goals

Community is not an add-on to our work.
It is where growth comes to life.

 

Become a Community Partner

We believe youth thrive when communities lean in. If you are a local business, organization, farm, recreation space, educational department, or community leader interested in partnering with O-I-See Youth Strategies, we would love to connect.

 

Partnerships may include:

• Hosting youth experiences
• Volunteer opportunities
• Event collaboration
• Shared community initiatives

Our partnerships are relationship-based, thoughtful, and aligned with youth growth and safety.

If you are interested in exploring a connection, please reach out through our Contact page or email us directly. We welcome conversations about how we can help youth grow together.