2011-08-10-CCTF-rpt - Laserfiche WebLink

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Site Visit Community Center Task Force There are 1100 kids who come as non - members, even when it would be cheaper for them to join! The population of North Andover is 30,000 with about 4,500 — 5,000 kids. Rick was a DSS social worker in 1988, but then there were two 7 t " grade suicides in 1998. He started working with school guidance counselors, and he wanted to do more outreach. In 1988 all the youth programs were spread out all over town in 19 different buildings. Now all programs are in only 3 buildings, and more kids are attending. Many kids attend on an everyday basis because they think of the Center as their home. Other The town of North Andover provides basic custodial services daily, but the Center staff keep it clean themselves. All program staff (and these are often high school students) are expected to clean up after their programs by vacuuming and dusting. Everyone takes pride in the building, and they feel it is their job to keep it clean. There are two major non - profit institutions in North Andover that contribute directly to the well being of the town. Merrimack College bought a bus for the town, and Brooks School donates ice time and bought a police cruiser. They are also contributors to the Center. The Center meets regularly with other service providers in town. There is a YMCA, but they don't provide adolescent services, and so do not overlap with the Center. There is a commitment to collaboration that Rick says keeps the relationship productive. For instance, the Y recently held a youth 3 -on -3 basketball tournament. Rick recommends that we talk to Bill Fahey, the director of Youth Services in Andover, about youth programming. Other uses of space The Center is closed on Sundays, and it is often rented out for basketball tournaments in the gym. From October through April mornings, there is a free walking club for seniors in the gym. For adults, there are morning women's fitness and yoga classes in the multipurpose room.