Friday Night Lights is a community-centered mentorship and youth empowerment initiative developed by Como Lions Heart in the heart of Fort Worth’s historic Lake Como neighborhood. The program began as a weekly meal and safe space for youth during weekend evenings—often peak times for violence and poor decision-making—and has since evolved into a robust pipeline for positive youth development.

Targeting youth and young adults ages 5 to 25, Friday Night Lights provides consistent, structured programming focused on mentorship, life skills, leadership, career exploration, and violence prevention. Through trusted community leaders, guest speakers, and peer mentorship, the program fosters strong relationships, promotes accountability, and cultivates long-term success.

By cultivating a safe and uplifting environment during critical hours, we help participants reimagine their future, breaking cycles of crime while increasing access to opportunities, role models, and essential life tools.

🔍 Program Outline

Target Population

• Youth and young adults, ages 5–25

• Primarily serves residents of Lake Como, Fort Worth, Texas

• Open to surrounding communities as the program grows

Program Schedule

• Fridays from 6 PM – 9 PM at the Como Community Center

• Weekly year-round sessions, with seasonal intensives and special events

Core Program Components

1. Mentorship & Role Modeling

   • One-on-one and group mentoring by trusted community leaders, alumni, coaches, and professionals

   • Peer mentoring circles for middle and high school youth

2. Life Skills Development

   • Financial literacy, emotional regulation, communication, conflict resolution

   • Workshops and real-world scenarios led by community experts

3. Career & Education Guidance

   • Guest speakers from various trades, businesses, and industries

   • Resume building, mock interviews, career days, and job shadowing

   • Support with scholarships, trade school applications, and college prep

4. Safe Space & Support Services

   • Nutritious hot meals served weekly

   • Counseling referrals, transportation assistance, and clothing/hygiene donations

5. Community Engagement & Leadership

   • Volunteerism opportunities and civic responsibility projects

   • Youth-led initiatives and ambassador roles within the program

6. Gun Violence Prevention & Intervention

   • Trauma-informed discussions and awareness campaigns

   • Collaborations with local law enforcement and violence interrupters

Impact Goals

• Reduce youth violence and incarceration rates

• Improve school attendance, graduation, and employment among participants

• Promote strong community ties and positive identity development

• Provide an ongoing support system through adulthood

Why Friday Night Lights Matters

Lake Como is a proud community with limited access to structured youth activities after hours. Many families are single-parent households facing economic hardship. Friday Night Lights meets youth where they are—offering mentorship, meals, structure, and opportunity at the time they need it most. By filling these evening hours with hope, purpose, and connection, the program helps youth stay on track and build a better future.