Bronx Youth Services Center Gives At-Risk Kids ‘Sense of Belonging’
Center head Lynne Echenberg and Andrew Smith
For 17-year-old Andrew Smith and countless others like him in Morrisania, a new youth services center may be just the second chance they need.
The Next Generation Center at 1522 Southern Blvd. officially opened last week to provide programs and job skills for teens too old for the foster care system and other at-risk youth.
“The center’s helping me mature and take the responsibilities I should have been taking all along,” said Andrew, who recently dropped out of high school.
The 10,000-square-foot center, run by the Children’s Aid Society, is geared toward youths ages 14 to 24. It offers workshops that teach such skills as cooking and financial literacy. Young people are also taught how to live independently and receive standard college prep and homework.
“It’s a place where they can get a sense of belonging, where they can stay connected to the community and obtain skills,” said Children’s Aid Society President Angela Diaz.
Child advocates say more than 1,000 youth leave foster care each year, but many have little support to help them make the transition to leading independent lives.
These youth are particularly vulnerable to homelessness, joblessness, jail, illness and sexual and physical victimization.
Society officials used a panel of teens to brainstorm what services they needed, and The Next Generation Center was born.
The center, being touted as the first of its kind, includes classrooms, a computer lab, sound studio, a teaching kitchen and fitness room. Free health services are also provided, from dental to pediatric care. Other programs, such as an onsite GED prep program and a visual arts institute, will be added soon.
“The potential here is boundless,” said center Director Lynne Echenberg.
The building opened its doors earlier this year. Andrew Smith has been attending different workshops for four months.
His time at the center has inspired him to earn his GED and go to college so he can become an Air Force pilot.
“Even though it’s not going to be easy,” he said, “I’m willing to take that road and become the man I’ve always wanted to be.”
SOURCE: NYDailyNews.com
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