EP Youth Department Prepares For Busy Autumn

Ms. Pyeisha Allen and her team in the Evergreen Park Youth Department have had a busy summer. The Youth Center, located in the Maher Community Center, 3450 W. 97th Street, was packed every day, the kids enjoying the extended hours.

You might have seen the department in the Annual Independence Day Parade; they also hosted a sweets table at the recent “Picnic In The Park” Food Truck festival, and then enjoyed a pleasant afternoon with the “Grandparents/Grandkids Youth Garden” Day. “Paint and Snack” and the Kayaking Field Trip, earlier in August, were great successes. They are also participating in the School Supply Drive, having partnered with the Evergreen Park Public Library and Evergreen Park Village Hall.

Ms. Pyeisha makes the transition to fall programs very easy. “We’re always thinking ahead,” she says, smiling, from her busy office in the Youth Center. “The Youth Department will never miss a beat in providing fun activities for our kids, whether it is summer, fall, winter or spring, we’ll always have something going on.”

The Youth Center/Game Room will adjust back to its normal hours (3pm-6pm) beginning Monday, August 19th, but the calendar is packed with activities.

“We’ll be there for the Back to School Bash at Central Middle School on Thursday, August 22,” she announced. “That’s a great opportunity for us to visit with kids and their parents, show them what we have to offer, as well as provide them with a fun activity.”

Kids in grades 5-12 are invited to a “Back To School” Ice Cream Social at the Community Center on Thursday, September 5 from 4pm – 5pm.

The very popular Youth Sewing Classes begin again on Wednesday, September 4. This four-week session is available for beginners (5pm-6pm). More sessions will be available as they move further into the autumn. They still have several spots available.

The Open Gym Volleyball and Basketball nights, held at the MapleWell Center, will begin again in October; more information will be soon to follow.

“And there’s more to come,” Ms. Pyeisha added. “We will be starting our Fall Coat Drive very soon. Plus, we have a very strong Community Chores program. We have kids available to do yardwork and light chores for our residents. And lots of fun things.”

Students and their parents are welcome to visit the Youth Center five days a week. “Come on out and see what we’re all about. We are very welcoming and we have a wonderful group of kids making up our Youth Department family.”

The Department can be reached by calling (708) 229-3377; they also have a Facebook page (“Evergreen Park Youth Department”) and an Instagram (“Epyouthdept”) where events and updates are posted regularly.