Sunday, April 29, 2012

Summer programs set at community centers



The school year is quickly coming to an end, but there’s still plenty of time to turn in applications for one of the many West Side summer youth programs. 
After late June, The Belle Center, Boys and Girls Clubs, and West Side Community Services among a few will be offering summer youth programming to students from ages 5 to 18 until school resumes. 
 The Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo  will offer activities such as, sports, arts, educational services that are intended on keeping West Side youth occupied, and off the streets, said Jennifer Mickens, Executive Assistant and Human Resource Administrator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo.
 The West Side Community Services located at 161 Vermont St. has had over 100 students attend their summer program in the past. Offering separate hours for age groups, 6 to 12 and 13 to 18, said Danette Porto, Human Services Coordinator of West Side Community Services. 
“Eighty five percent of our children are right here on the West Side,” said James McNeil, K-5th grade program director of The Belle Center. “Our main focus is getting each child to the next level of higher learning; we want every child to reach their full potential.”
 The Belle Center located at 104 Maryland St. had over 150 registered students at their summer camp last year, ages 5 to 12, and offers some full or reduced cost scholarships for parents of low income households, said McNeil. “The most important thing is providing an enriching and secure environment, promote tolerance and recognize diversity,” said Porto. By Mackenzie Clarke, Stepahnie Delaunay and Cheri St. Croix