Bethel Teen Center Director Stepping Down

Bethel’s teen center, also known as Pro Access, is searching for a new Executive Director after Hilda DeLucia announced at last month’s Youth Commission meeting that she was leaving the position at the end of January.

DeLucia has served the center for eight years, through a move to the Municipal Center, a demolition of the old building and plans to build a new center. She is leaving to volunteer in Washington state with AmeriCorps. DeLucia created a GoFundMe page to help in her move. She wrote:

“This summer I also was fortunate to spend a week in Arizona...I also saw the poverty and challenges faced by farming communities and Native American populations in this region. I started researching ways I could make a difference while coupling my desire to temporarily live out West. That’s when I found AmeriCorps Vista and a position at a community action agency. The agency’s mission is to help break the cycle of poverty by empowering their clients with necessary tools and workforce skills. I applied for the position and was accepted to begin in February 2016 for one year of service. I’ve started this account in an effort to give those interested in financially supporting my venture an opportunity to contribute.”

The Youth Commission held a special meeting on Dec. 16 to discuss plans going forward to transition the new Executive Director into the position. The Commission said in the coming weeks they will create a job description and being the search.

First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker attended the meeting and, according to the meeting minutes, questioned why the position was contracted instead of being a town employee. Knickerbocker said he would be speaking with the Town Comptroller and Director of Human Resources to discuss the hiring process.

Pro Access posted the following letter on their website last week:

“There has much speculation and misinformation going around about the future of Pro Access, Bethel’s Teen Center. The Bethel Youth Commission asked that I put out a notice letting everyone know that the town is fully committed to continuing to provide services for 7th-12th grade students living in Bethel.

We met with Matt Knickerbocker this week and he assured the Commission that the town will be posting a job description within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, your children can continue to enjoy the same programs, services and activities that you’ve come to expect from Pro Access.

Hilda Valdespino, the current Director will no longer be active in the teen center after January 31st. She will be available up to that time to make sure the transition to a permanent or interim directorship is seamless.

If you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact Hilda at 203-482-1732 or Kristin Nauheimer the Youth Commission Chairperson at faithhopelove61@gmail.com”

Photo Hilda DeLucia