The Foundation to Reimagine Mason City started with the realization that the town’s youth are underserved, with few opportunities to develop their leadership skills as well as few recreational opportunities. That, coupled with the number of unoccupied and deteriorating buildings downtown, created a perfect opportunity. Thanks to the generosity of private donors and the United Methodist Church, the Foundation was able to acquire 105-110 sections of East Chestnut Street. These three buildings, while needing significant renovation, will become a coffee house and youth center.

The student leadership board of Yesterday’s Future have been empowered to help direct these spaces to be what will serve them and their peers, with the Reimagine Foundation’s board assisting in making these dreams a reality. The youth board has eagerly leapt forward with both organizing numerous student activities in town as well as putting significant planning toward designing what these spaces could be like to serve the needs of 6-12th graders. After school events, study spaces, and lounge areas with recreational opportunities are all on the forefront of this mission.
In 2022 and 2023, this student-led group has been the driving force behind several fundraisers, made countless lemon shake-ups and pork chop sandwiches, put together two pool parties for other students, organized a movie night at the local theater, and put together several pop-up coffee shops/vendor events and even a game night.