Press Release
North Platte, NE — Community Connections Mentoring, in partnership with Keep North Platte Lincoln County Beautiful, the City of North Platte, and Hope Esperanza’s HOPE Minis, is supporting a youth-driven project to contribute to improvements at the Happy Hound Retreat Dog Park (301 W. 18th Street) during Nebraska Volunteer Week.
Youth from Community Connections Mentoring and Hope/Esperanza’s HOPE Minis are working together to design and create a welcoming feature for the space, with leadership from Keep North Platte Lincoln County Beautiful.
This effort also aligns with priorities identified by the North Platte Northside Association to create cleaner, greener, and more welcoming spaces for families in the north-side neighborhood.
Youth Voice in Action
This project reflects a commitment to elevating youth voice through service. Youth have shared thoughtful ideas for how they want to contribute to their community, including picking up trash, helping others, practicing kindness, volunteering, and being more intentional in how they use technology.
Through hands-on service, these ideas are being brought to life—showing young people that their contributions matter and that they already have the ability to help shape their community.
Phase 1: Planning and Design
The project began during the April Impact Night, a monthly mentoring event where youth and mentors met at the HOPE/Esperanza offices to plan a recycled-material sign for the dog park.
With guidance from Mona Anderson and Anna Maurya of Keep North Platte Lincoln County Beautiful, participants explored recycling concepts, discussed creative reuse of materials, and selected red flowers as part of the “Plant the Town Red” campaign recognizing the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Youth led the brainstorming and design process, bringing their creativity and ideas forward to shape the project from the beginning.
Phase 2 and Phase 3: Building and Installation
Phase 2 (April 22 – Earth Day) will focus on constructing the sign using recycled materials, along with additional hands-on creative projects that highlight reuse, sustainability, and environmental learning.
Phase 3 (April 25) will include installation of the sign and planting flowers to enhance the space. The project will conclude with a public unveiling where youth will share reflections on their experience and what it means to give back to their community.
Youth Experience and Impact
“We want to help people and make our town nicer,” shared one youth participant. “This is a way we can do that together.”
This project supports ongoing City improvements while adding welcoming, youth-created elements that reflect community pride and care.
Mentoring builds stronger communities. When young people have caring adults in their lives, they gain confidence, connection, and hope for the future. Through service, youth discover their ability to make a difference—and are empowered to take an active role in shaping their community alongside others.