News from the Director

Dear Friend,

 

Spring has arrived. At least that is what the calendar tells us! Personally I look forward to this time of year with the extended daylight, the warming temperatures, the rebirth of flora and fauna, and the thawing of frozen waterways. Spring symbolizes rebirth and renewal. It can also refer to love, hope, youth and growth.

At the KYC we are embracing it all by offering programs that focus on healthy and loving relationships; hopeful and fulfilling futures; youthful and fun activities; and life skills that support the needs of growing adolescents. We are fortunate that our facility allows us to offer so many opportunities for our teen members as the weather warms. We can hike, bike, swim, walk, play and run right from our front door. As we watch the snow melt around us, we look forward to offering more outdoor programs and activities that we feel are critical to the positive development of youth during the 'out of school' hours.

New this year for the KYC is the Club 121 Mentorship Program. This program began in January at Kingswood Regional Middle School. The KYC mentors, Zachary and Mara, are at the school every Monday morning doing what they love to do - assisting their mentees in the areas of goal setting, exploring interests, relationship building, substance misuse prevention, and developing life skills. We are all so excited about how well this program is going and we look forward to offering mentoring services to more youth next year.

Also new this year is the slight shifting of staff positions. Effective July 1, Zachary Porter will become the Interim Executive Director. Zachary has been with the KYC since 2011 and his position has evolved into the 'face of the center.' He has been in charge of the programs since 2016, and that will not change. His new position will include a more comprehensive management role and direct interaction with the board of directors. Zachary looks forward to working with the staff, volunteers and board of directors to grow and sustain the KYC's vital services. He strongly believes that beloved traditions and new opportunities will allow the KYC to fulfill its mission to serve local youth throughout the coming years.

Mara Michno will be leaving at the end of June for maternity reasons. She will return in October to continue her role as Teen Director. Mara has been with the KYC since 2015. She offers so much through her extensive experience working with youth. She also holds a master's degree in teaching at the secondary level.   We wish her all the best as her family grows and we will definitely welcome her return in the fall.

After serving as ED for over 13 years, I look forward to focusing more on organizational development, grant writing, fundraising, and financial management. I will continue to seek new avenues of support to continue offering enrichment programs and activities for youth in this community!

All the best,

Pam Sweeney

There are many ways a donation can help the KYC continue meeting the growing needs of our community's youth population. Our mission depends on your support. The KYC is a 501(c) 3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.

 

  Donate Now!  

The KYC has committed to offering 150 BTAS! hours to our participants. These programs are offered during school breaks, weekends, and "stay late" on Wednesdays. At each BTAS! we offer a hot meal and a fun, themed activity. Check out some of the interesting programs we have offered these past few months.

A night hike at Knight's Pond

There are many ways to get involved with the KYC

~ Volunteer weekly for our after-school program

~ Volunteer to teach a skill or lead an activity to our members

~ Donate clothing for 12-18 year olds

~ Donate homemade food, gift cards, art supplies

~ Sponsor us monetarily

~ Help with grounds-keeping 

The KYC is a 501(c) non-profit organization. Therefore, your donation is tax deductible.