Mountain Community Resources’ new afterschool program began this week, giving teens a safe place to hang out after a long school day.
Currently, the program is only offered two days a week, and is completely free of charge, said Nik Martinelli, a teen advocate working for MCR.
“We are going to start with Tuesdays and Wednesdays and students are welcome anytime from 2:30 on, and 4:30 is when we are going to be wrapping up activities and everything,” he explained.
Teens are welcome to utilize the center’s computers, wireless Internet, printers, couches, and tables for homework or other activities. There is also a kitchen, where food can be prepared or warmed, and a big-screen projector for the purpose of relaxing and watching a movie accompanied by popcorn.
“Our premise is that it’s a safe, supervised place for teens to come after school and spend time,” Martinelli said. “We are excited to offer this to the community.”
MCR wants to incorporate some art classes and nature hikes to local state parks in the near future, he said.
“We really want to get some teens in here and kind of see what they would like to do before we start scheduling lots of things,” Martinelli said. “We will also be looking for more volunteers who want to provide more services or classes or some kind of workshop.”
Administrators from San Lorenzo Valley Middle and High schools began collaborating and planning with MCR about a month ago in preparation for the new program.
“Anytime you got a safe place where kids can do positive things after school, that’s a win for everybody,” said SLVMS Principal Jeff Calden. “It’s just another thing that Mountain Community Resources is doing for our Valley and I think it’s awesome.”
SLVUSD Superintendent Dr. Laurie Bruton said that having a safe place to socialize and do homework is a great opportunity for students.
“There’s a lot of middle school kids that I think will take advantage of that opportunity because if they go home they have to do housework, or they have to be home by themselves,” Bruton said. “So, sometimes, I think it’s a good break for them to be able to play computer games and do those kinds of things with other kids.”
SLVMS and MCR are working together to figure out a way to bus students from school to the afterschool program.
Mountain Community Resources is located at 6134 Highway 9 in Felton. For more information, visit http://www.communitybridges.org/mountaincommunity.htm or call 335-6607.
