EVERETT, Wash., June 3, 2004 – The teen center at the Southeast Family YMCA has provided local teens a safe place to hang out for years. Looking more like a frat room with old couches, wall murals and a foosball table, it’s a comfortable place where teens can come to play games and hang out with friends.
The one thing lacking however has been computers and a quiet place to do homework. That will all change on June 10: the grand opening of the Teen Tech Scene. The addition of the Teen Tech Scene provides five new internet-ready computers, new couches where teens can sit and read or talk with friends, and tables for homework, community meetings and other activities. Teens are already personalizing the new space by adding artwork and decorations.
Supervised by caring adults, the teen center and new Teen Tech Scene give kids a safe place to call their own. It also helps close a “digital divide” between those who have access to technology and those who don’t. Teens can participate in any number of positive activities such as listening to music, playing pool, foosball or ping-pong, reading, working on the computers or doing homework
A key strategic goal for the YMCA of Snohomish County is to serve one in four teens by 2005. The new Teen Tech Scene supports this goal by providing more programming and opportunities for teens to get involved in the YMCA. “Teens in the Silver Firs area don't have many places to call their own, and we're hoping that the Teen Tech Scene will give them a safe place where they can make friends, do their homework, learn technology skills, and be challenged to grow and learn,” said Cory Wilson-Hoss, Southeast YMCA teen director.
Two things were needed to make the Teen Tech Scene a reality: space and money. Call it fate, but a number of occurrences allowed this to happen. First, with the opening of the YMCA Heatherwood Child Care Center in Mill Creek, there was extra space at the branch because child care programs were moved to the new Heatherwood location. In addition, generous gifts were provided by Centex Homes and Polygon Northwest Company in support of this project.
“Polygon Northwest Company builds homes and neighborhoods for families and it’s a privilege to support the YMCA which provides such a strong foundation for our community and the growth of our families,” said Gary Young, Polygon Northwest Company senior vice president.
Teen programs offered through the Southeast Family YMCA include Y Hang Time, after school programs at Gateway Middle School; Y Teen Night; Youth & Government; YMAD (Youth Making a Difference); Connections and Youth Leadership Service Trips.
The community is invited to celebrate the Teen Tech Scene grand opening on Thursday, June 10 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Southeast Family YMCA located at 13723 Puget Park Drive, Everett.
Contact Cory Wilson-Hoss at the Southeast Family YMCA at 425-337-0123 for questions regarding the teen center and new Teen Tech Scene.
About YMCA of Snohomish County
For more than 100 years, the YMCA of Snohomish County has involved top community leaders and highly-trained professional staff to provide hundreds of different programs for people of all ages, especially children, youth and families. Each YMCA facility is a “hub” in the community providing safe environments, caring role models, and positive, productive activities. Today more than 56,684 people of all ages, races, faiths and economic backgrounds participate annually in activities at our six branch operations: Everett, Marysville, Mukilteo, Southeast/Silver Firs, Monroe and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Activity areas include Youth Sports, Family Events, Swimming, Total Health, Summer Camp, Teen Programs, (Middle School After School, Late Night, Youth in Government, Earth Service Corps), and Child Care (30 sites in 7 school districts throughout the County). The YMCA is committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities and is united in sharing the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
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