Tewksbury Youth Center
About Us
Who are we?
The Tewksbury Youth Center
was established in 1998 as the Tewksbury Teen Center.
In September
of 2006, we changed our name to the Tewksbury Youth Center and revised
our membership eligibility to include Tewksbury youth in grades 5-8.
We have a few 9th and 10th grade members who act as junior volunteers
and help us out by chaperoning or working on various fundraisers and
events. Membership is free and the Center's hours are as follows:
Monday – Thursday 2:00 p.m. –
6:00 p.m.
Friday 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Tewksbury Youth Center is a non-profit organization established to provide young people with a safe and fun environment after school and on Saturdays. We are not affiliated with any other Tewksbury youth program. However, like other non-profit youth organizations in Tewksbury, we use town property by sharing space with the Recreation Department. The difference between the Youth Center and other non-profits is that we use the property throughout the year, rather than seasonally.
As a non-profit organization, the Youth Center is self–supported. We do not receive any funding from the Town of Tewksbury. During the year, we raise funds in various ways including the Haunted House, Hayride, Snack Bar and Youth Dances. These funds, as well as donations from area residents and businesses, sustain us throughout the year and are used for several purposes, including the purchase of the Center’s furnishings, games, equipment, small repairs, cleaning and Snack Bar utilities. We work closely with the Recreation Department on town-sponsored and Youth Center events and activities.
Over the years, the Center has seen many changes, but its mission and goals have remained the same. We strive to provide a safe and fun environment for the young people of Tewksbury. We continuously look for ways to improve the program and provide activities for our members.
History
In 1996, a group of Tewksbury citizens formed a committee to begin the process of establishing a Teen Center in Tewksbury. In 1997, the committee conducted a survey of Tewksbury high school and middle school students and found that teens wanted a place to go to 'hang out' and meet new friends. They also contacted several organizations from Tewksbury who had been working with teenagers and were able to draw upon their experience and resources. The committee received approval from the Town to re-open the Anthony Rosano Recreation Center. They raised funds and received help from volunteers to renovate the building.
The committee formed a Board of Directors (Friends of Tewksbury Teen Center) and worked with the Tewksbury Town Manager and Selectmen to establish the center as a town-run organization. The town agreed to assume responsibility for building’s operating costs and the expenses of a full-time Recreation Director. The Director is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Center, as well as, other Recreation Department responsibilities. The Director is also the liaison between the Town and the Teen Center Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors raised funds and received donations for several items, including computers, televisions, games, furniture, snack bar equipment, etc. The Board also installed a security system, developed administrative procedures, and rules and regulations, etc.
The Teen Center officially opened in 1998.
