Humanitarian Mary Nelson embodies the spirit of giving to others, many calling her “a true vessel of God.” She is committed to empowering and inspiring others to give back as well. In her home town (Syracuse, NY), she is the founder of the Annual Youth Day BBQ, and President/CEO of The Mary Nelson Youth Center, a 501c3 Not for Profit agency.
Mary began organizing the Back to School BBQ in 2002, as part of an effort to reduce violence in her neighborhood. Along with providing school supplies, she treats children and their families to a barbeque, which facilitates the community coming together in peace and showing love for another.
In 2009, Mary Nelson’s Youth Center was opened and continues to offer- Education, Health, Career Services and FREE Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner to all needy families in her community.
Our BCG Change-Maker also runs and operates the Mary Nelson Youth Center which operates daily with a staff of volunteers, an Office Manager, Secretary, IMT Computer Analyst, Program Coordinators, Full and Part time Cooks, Food Servers, Mentors and Tutors who together provide a SAFE HAVEN for youth. 
Mrs. Nelson is presently a Full-Time employee at Upstate Medical University in the Department of Radiology. The Mary Nelson Youth Center does not receive any Federal and State Grants at this time. The center’s Administrative expenses are paid for by Mary herself, with support from her proud and committed sponsors. Some of teh services offered at the youth center include: Clothing giveaways every month, computer labs, free meals provided daily, food pantry, free backpacks and school supplies, women’s support group, self esteem classes,community awareness and tutoring just to name a few. The center is located at 2849 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13205.
Over the years, Mary’s BBQ has grown to accommodate nearly 16,000 community members. She was a “” Mom’s Dream Come True “” award recipient of the Live with Regis and Kelly show 2008, and is featured on Oprah’s Angel Network. In 2008 she was an Obama delegate. Mary was flown out to Los Angeles, California in September 2010 to tape a segment for NBC Universal School Pride in Los Angeles. Each and every year The Mary Nelson Annual Youth Day BBQ has grown in record numbers and every youth goes home ready to begin the school year with the necessary school supplies.
Among the many awards Mary has received are the Post-Standard Achievement Award, The Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Award in Albany New York, The National Council Negro Women Award and the YWCA Academy of Diversity Achievers Award. She was a Black History (2011) Hope & Healing Upstate Medical University honoree, New York State Senate 49th District Women of Distinction Award. Add to these accomplishments she is also a BCG- Change-Maker!
Mrs. Nelson lives in Syracuse, NY with her husband Robert. Together they have 7 children. Mary and Robert are also raising 7 more children of whom they are Legal Guardians (Lanise Sullivan 11 yrs, old. Naseem Moore 8 yrs old, Bronson Nicholson 7 yrs old, Jamea Brown, 4 yrs old, Simani Brewer 3 yrs old, Sivon Brewer 2 yrs old, JaMarrion Brown Moore 2 yrs old).
Mary Nelson, a vessel from God, as she views herself, is a true and committed mom, sister, aunt, cousin and good friend. A humble woman, she shows love and support in countless ways to all. By her example and mandate, she encourages others to pay it forward by giving to others in order to make communities and our nation a better place.
BCG Salutes this week’s BCG Change-Maker for all she is doing in Syracuse, NY!
