The Depot - Darien Youth Center

What The Depot - Darien Youth Center does

The Depot Youth Center (legally Noroton Heights Depot, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating from 25 Heights Road in Darien, Connecticut. Founded in 1989 (per firmographics) and operating for over 30 years, the organization serves middle school (5th-8th grade) and high school (9th-12th grade) youth from Darien public, private, and homeschooled backgrounds, reaching 2,600+ youth annually. Programming is structured around three pillars - leadership, connection, and friendship - and spans middle school after-school drop-ins and clubs (DropZone, VolunTWEENS, Girls &, Murder Mystery Club, Garden Club, Lighthouse) and high school biweekly clubs (empowHER, SLOD, SADD, GRIT Lab, Lighthouse, Smiles for Seniors, Helping Hands, Volunteer Club), plus milestone events such as the annual Pre-Prom celebration at Weed Beach.

The organization's underlying technology stack consists of a WordPress website (dariendepot.com) and a NeonCRM donor management platform; no proprietary software, mobile applications, or API infrastructure is evidenced. Service delivery is entirely in-person at the Darien facility, with structural program access enabled by bus service from Middlesex Middle School. The business model combines four revenue streams: tax-deductible individual donations, foundation and business donations, state and local government funding, and venue rental income ($300 for 3-hour Darien resident rentals, $400 for 3-hour corporate rentals, with free slots for high/middle school team parties). All youth programs, clubs, and events are offered free of charge, with scholarships available to ensure no youth is turned away due to inability to pay.

The Depot is led by Executive Director Amy Daniels (appointed 2023), Business Manager Anne Fox (10+ year tenure), Assistant Program Directors Terry Williams (joined 2024) and Lauren Moir, and Marketing & Communications Manager Jennifer Morici, supported by multiple credentialed club advisors. The organization operates within a broad partnership ecosystem of 15+ community collaborators including YWCA, YMCA, Darien Library, Darien Human Services, Silver Hill Hospital, Newport Academy, Carnegie Prep, Bankwell, Darien Chamber of Commerce, the Thriving Youth Task Force, the Community Fund of Darien, and multiple school parent associations. Marketing channels are community-led, centered on school communications, a weekly "Depot Doings" email newsletter, and Facebook/Instagram presence.

Name

The Depot - Darien Youth Center

Legal name

Noroton Heights Depot, Inc.

Website

https://dariendepot.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Depot Youth Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a physical youth center in Darien, Connecticut, serving 2,600+ middle and high school students annually through free after-school programs, clubs, leadership development, peer support, and community service, funded by donations, government grants, and venue rentals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL)

Keywords

• Youth center programs
• After-school programs
• Youth development services
• Peer support groups
• Community youth services

Headquarters

HQ city

Darien

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from private individuals supporting the nonprofit youth center. 100% tax-deductible contributions.
2. Foundation and Business Donations: Support from foundations and businesses as part of the donor base.
3. Government Funding: State and local government dollars supporting youth programming.
4. Venue Rentals: Rental income from venue bookings - Darien resident rentals at $300 for 3 hours, corporate rentals at $400 for 3 hours. Middle/high school team parties are free.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Depot operates a nonprofit youth center providing free after-school and evening programs for 5th-12th grade students in Darien, Connecticut, including drop-in sessions, clubs covering leadership, service, peer support, and creative activities, plus scholarships, annual community events (Pre-Prom, Turkey Trot), and venue rentals. It serves as a judgment-free "third place" environment for youth to connect, grow, and give back.

Product overview

The Depot Youth Center is a nonprofit youth center serving Darien, Connecticut, providing a judgment-free, safe environment for middle school and high school youth (5th-12th grade). The organization offers a portfolio of programs including High School Clubs (empowHER, SLOD, SADD, GRIT Lab, Lighthouse, Smiles for Seniors, Helping Hands, Volunteer Club) and Middle School Programs (DropZone, VolunTWEENS, Girls &, Murder Mystery Club, Garden Club, Lighthouse). Additional offerings include scholarships for financial assistance, facility rentals for community events, and annual events such as Pre-Prom and Turkey Trot fundraiser. All programs are designed around three pillars: leadership, connection, and friendship.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• High School Clubs Evening clubs for high school students (9th-12th grade) including leadership, service, mentoring, and creative programs that meet biweekly. Programs include empowHER, SLOD, SADD, GRIT Lab, Lighthouse, Smiles for Seniors, Helping Hands, and Volunteer Club. Designed for college applications and peer connection.
• Middle School Programs After-school drop-in and program offerings for 5th-8th grade students, including bus service from Middlesex Middle School Monday-Thursday 2:45-5:00 PM. Programs include DropZone, VolunTWEENS, Girls &, Murder Mystery Club, Garden Club, and Lighthouse.
• Scholarships Confidential financial assistance program ensuring all Depot programs, clubs, and events remain free of charge for youth requiring financial support. Scholarship forms available for clubs, programs, and events.
• Depot Facility Rental Venue rental service for events and parties with access to dance room, rec room, and outdoor area. Offerings include free weekday High/Middle School Team Parties (5-7 pm Mon-Thu), Darien Resident Rentals ($300 for 3-hour birthday/graduation/holiday parties), and Corporate Rentals ($400 for 3 hours). No alcohol permitted.
• Pre-Prom Event Annual pre-prom event held at Weed Beach for the DHS graduating class, providing a safe celebration environment with food, photos, and community building.
• Turkey Trot Fundraiser Annual fundraising run event organized by The Depot to support youth programming.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The Thriving Youth Task ForcecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in educational programming and events for youth, parents, and families. Works together to recruit speakers from around the county, state, and country.
• The Community Fund of DariencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner for youth programming and community development initiatives in Darien.
• YWCA Parent AwarenessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for parent education and awareness programs related to youth development.
• Darien Human Services & Town of DariencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner providing human services, mental health resources, and operational support. The Depot stocks Darien's Human Services Closet.
• Darien Police DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on youth safety programming and educational initiatives.
• Darien Youth CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTown commission supporting youth-focused initiatives and programming.
• Darien LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner for educational programming and resource sharing.
• Darien YMCAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on youth wellness and community programming.
• Silver Hill HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner for mental health resources and educational programming.
• Darien Domestic Abuse CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for awareness and support related to domestic issues affecting families.
• Darien Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness community partner supporting youth programming and fundraising events.
• Newport AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health treatment partner for youth wellness programming.
• Carnegie PrepminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner for academic support and preparation programs.
• BankwellminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal financial institution partner supporting community initiatives.
• Darien Public School Parent AssociationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple PTAs and parent associations from Darien schools collaborate on programming and outreach.
• The Rowan CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStaff members Emma Zelenak and Charlotte Gaston co-advise the empowHER club, bringing expertise in advocacy and equity.
• Causeway CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization where advisor Julian Nunez works as a Therapeutic Mentor and Futures Planning Provider.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Junior Achievement USA: National nonprofit delivering leadership, work-readiness, and entrepreneurship programs to K-12 youth. Comparable in targeting school-age youth through volunteer-led programs and offering college-application-relevant experiences, with overlap on The Depot's leadership and career-oriented clubs.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: National nonprofit focused on youth mentoring and one-to-one relationships for at-risk youth. Comparable in mission (mentorship, leadership, safe environment) and nonprofit donation-funded model, though Big Brothers Big Sisters focuses more heavily on individualized mentoring while The Depot is a community drop-in destination.

Emerging players

• YouthBuild USA: National nonprofit supporting young people through education, leadership development, and community service. Overlaps with The Depot's volunteer/out-of-school youth leadership focus, though YouthBuild specifically targets opportunity youth rather than the broader 5th-12th grade populations The Depot serves.

Broad incumbents

• Police Athletic League (PAL): National network of youth centers offering after-school programs, sports, and leadership development, often with law enforcement partnerships. Highly comparable operating model (physical youth center, drop-in programs, free or low-cost access) and shares the Depot's partnership with the Darien Police Department.
• Boys & Girls Club of America: National network of youth clubs providing after-school programming, leadership development, and safe spaces for school-age youth. Directly comparable mission and programming model to The Depot, but operates at vastly greater scale through franchised affiliate chapters across the country.
• YMCA of the USA: National nonprofit offering youth development, after-school care, leadership programs, and community-based services. The Darien YMCA is explicitly a partner of The Depot, indicating the direct overlap in scope and youth programming model, though YMCAs offer broader facilities including fitness and aquatics.
• Camp Fire (formerly Camp Fire USA): National youth development nonprofit offering after-school programs, camp experiences, and teen leadership programs. Directly comparable in mixing drop-in community programming with leadership clubs and self-reliance/connection pillars.
• 4-H National Headquarters: National youth development organization offering leadership, citizenship, and service-learning programs for school-age youth. Shares the leadership and community service pillars central to The Depot's model, with The Depot's SLOD, SADD, and Volunteer Club effectively serving similar functions to 4-H clubs.

Others

• National Urban League: National nonprofit providing youth empowerment, education, and health programs. The Depot's empowHER club and Lighthouse peer support programs align with NUL's youth empowerment focus, though NUL operates at much larger scale and across broader issue areas.

Regional players

• Jack & Jill of America Foundation: National nonprofit providing leadership development, cultural programming, and community service opportunities for youth. Comparable youth empowerment and service-learning model, though more focused on African American families and operating primarily through local chapters.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/dariendepot
• Instagraminstagram.com/the_darien_depot
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-depot-darien-youth-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Depot - Darien Youth Center