December Nonprofit: Worcester Youth Center

By Dani Babineau

For many organizations, survival during COVID has required more than simple “pivots” or “adjustments” - something more akin to transformation. Sit-down restaurants are now takeout joints or wine shops. Many craft breweries in the state (not us, let’s be clear) are doing home deliveries and shipping beer via mail - concepts that were utterly verboten before the pandemic. And of course, so many offices and schools have gone largely remote - and, in the process, made us fundamentally reassess a lot of how we think about both workforces and education.

For our December non-profit, the Worcester Youth Center, transformation has been the name of the game, too. Prior to the pandemic, the Worcester Youth Center was, well, a youth center. Kids could gather to play sports, socialize, take various lessons, and more. But now, the Youth Center is focusing much more on remote learning and creative programs like arts and music. And while the transition hasn’t been easy, it has presented a lot of opportunities for the Youth Center to rethink and improve the services it can provide.

To learn more about how the Worcester Youth Center has transformed itself during COVID, reach our Q&A with Samuel Martin, its Executive Director.

Let's start on a positive note - what has the Worcester Youth Center accomplished in the past year that you're most proud of?

The Youth Center, thanks to supporters like yourself, was able to secure additional funding so that we could expand programming for the youth we serve. As a result, we presented our largest operating budget in our history. In 2019, we celebrated 25 years and at the same time were able to do much-needed renovations to key areas of Youth Center. And throughout 2020, the Youth Center has been able to continue services to youth in Worcester despite the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How has COVID impacted WYC and what changes have you made to adjust?

The Youth Center used COVID-19 as an opportunity to engage young people in different activities than we had prior to the pandemic. The youth participants and staff have been able to make the shift from facility-based activities - which included lots of recreational activity such as basketball and pool - to virtual activity that has facilitated the growth of our multimedia arts production activity. It was difficult to get off the ground in our busy facility, and going virtual - the best way for us to responsibly social distance - has allowed us to focus on this creative area, while continuing as best we can our work readiness and drop-in social activities, such as a daily wellness check in.

Although the overall daily drop in participation has been lower than I would have expected for 2020, the level of program engagement is deeper and has expanded our ability to reach young people who might otherwise not come into the Center due to transportation issues. Also, significant learning is happening. We look forward to continuing our virtual learning spaces even after our facility is reopened.

Prior to COVID 19, the Center had just completed renovations of its kitchen, dance studio, and recording studio, which was a year-long process. We were mostly open during the renovations. Although COVID-19 interrupted our plans for a grand opening in the summer of 2020, we are excited about the proposition of opening our facility when COVID-19 subsides, and we hope to see you at the grand opening when it occurs. Keep watch out on our website: www.worcesteryouthcenter.org .

Last year, our customers raised $3,492 for WYC - how did those funds help, and what might this year's donations go toward? 

Firstly, we are extremely appreciative that Redemption Rock was able to host our 25th anniversary meeting and raise funds and make a donation to us. The Youth Center was able to feed young people who attend the Center programs, offering healthy snacks, special dinners, and of course pizza parties on Fridays. Also, we were able to purchase some sports equipment such as basketballs, water bottles, and protective gear for young people who worked outdoors during the hot summer of 2019

How else can people support WYC during these trying times?

Worcester Youth Center is always seeking to increase our donor base so that programming can continue to expand. Also, we are looking for supporters of the Center to consider becoming a member of our board of directors, commit to tutoring a group of high school students, or assist us with technology, sponsorship and other meaningful ways. And we’d appreciate it if you share the good news about the Worcester Youth Center - check out our website to see other ways to support and view some of the work of the young people who are involved with the Center.