Suisun City YMCA To Open Teen Center

Suisun City YMCA To Open Teen Center
By Nika Megino | Daily Republic

SUISUN CITY - The North Bay YMCA will transform an unused room into a place where teens can hang out after school.

A $21,000 grant from the Suisun City Parks and Recreation Commission is making it possible, with $10,000 being used for the teen center and the remaining $11,000 going to other existing programs.

North Bay YMCA was selected as the recipient of the city's first Quality of Life grants after an application process involving nonprofit organizations that serve youth.

The aim is to provide a safe haven for students between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., North Bay YMCA executive Rodney Chin said. That is a time when most minors often find themselves home alone or on the street.

'That's a formula for getting into trouble,' Chin said. 'It's highly needed in this community in any community. It's in our mission to bring up strong kids, families and communities.'

The teen center, which is scheduled to open in mid- to late January, will provide games such as pool and foosball. There will also be a lounge area where teens can listen to music and chat.

Other possible services include tutoring programs and a computer lab.

'It's endless as to what the possibilities are on what we can do,' Chin said.

The $21,000 grant was part of a $30,000 grant authorized by the Suisun City Council.

Approximately $6,000 of the $30,000 grant will be used by the city to create a youth quarterly events and activities calendar. The remaining $3,000 will be distributed as individual grants up to $300.

For more information about the Quality of Life Grant Program or grants, call 421-7200. For more information or to submit suggestions for the center, call 421-8746

Reach Nika Megino at 427-6953 or nmegino@dailyrepublic.net.