New Youth Center Now Open at YMCA’s Maplewood Neighborhood Center at the Maplewood Family YMCA
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, county legislators and YMCA of Greater Rochester officially celebrated the opening of the new Youth Center on the second floor as part of YMCA’s Maplewood Neighborhood Center at the Maplewood Family YMCA.
$2 million in American Rescue Plan Act Funds awarded to YMCA of Greater Rochester to fund YMCA centers.
The funds, allotted by Monroe County, provide free meals and after-school programs for teens 12-18 at the YMCA’s Neighborhood Centers at the Maplewood and Lewis Street YMCA locations.
“For decades, the YMCA has created safe spaces for youth to play, socialize and stay physically active. This ARPA investment will expand those offerings to underserved teenagers by providing free meals and giving them a healthy and safe after-school facility,” said Bello.
Monroe County Legislator William Burgess said he’s spent his life working for youth and making sure they have a brighter future. “This ARPA funding for free after-school programming for teens is critical and can help so many of our young people,” Burgess said. “The new Youth Center at the Maplewood Y is a welcome addition to our neighborhood. Coupled with the added programming at the Lewis Street YMCA Neighborhood Center, this funding can truly benefit our community.”
A YMCA membership is not required for qualifying teens to access the center or participate in after-school activities on weekdays. Participants will have access to the swimming pools, basketball court, homework support and fitness classes such as boxing and yoga. ARPA funds will also support YMCA fitness and meal programs for older adults and health and wellness services like telemedicine and education across the three Neighborhood Center locations, which also includes the Thurston Road YMCA Neighborhood Center in the 19th Ward.
“The YMCA of Greater Rochester has a history of working with our community to serve its most pressing needs. Right now that is our youth and teens, and it is crucial we provide them with a safe space where they can be encouraged, supported and given the opportunities to succeed,” said Ernie Lamour, President & CEO of YMCA of Greater Rochester. “I am proof of that and am where I am today because of the YMCA. We are grateful for County Executive Bello and county legislators for their support in helping us provide that type of environment for teens in our community.”
The teen center at the Maplewood YMCA is open from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. weekdays. Similar youth programming at the Lewis Street YMCA Neighborhood Center is available from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. weekdays.
To register a child for this after-school program, go to RochesterYMCA.org.
