Town Of Andover: Update On Andover Youth Services

Press release from Town of Andover:

September 10, 2021

The Town of Andover is pleased to announce that Andover Youth Services and the Cormier Youth Center reopened on Tuesday, September 7th.

A dynamic combination of highly experienced new staff and long time AYS program leaders have collaborated to offer a variety of programs and drop-in services this fall.

The following are highlights of ongoing activities:

• AYS relaunched after school drop-in services that will be offered Monday through Friday. Over the next two weeks, the Cormier Youth Center will serve as an open-house for all ages before moving to age-based programs for drop-in.
• Lego League, field hockey, cross country and Game On programs are either open for registration or will be open for registration in the coming days.
• The Skate Park is open.
• Partnerships have been forged with AHS Athletics and the YMCA to expand quality programs including strength training and court sports.
• Announcements about the following activities and programs will be made in the coming weeks:
  • Transportation/shuttle service to the Cormier Youth Center
  • Girls Club
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Wrestling
  • Meet the Staff Open House for Parents
• Repairs and building improvements to the Cormier Youth Center are underway

The history of AYS will be a critical component of how the division moves forward and begins its next chapter. Over the past week, over a thousand photos and other pieces of AYS memorabilia from have been archived and safely stored. Efforts are underway to rebuild the history wall, which in addition to the preservation of the murals at the Youth Center, will honor the rich history of AYS and preserve memories for future generations of program participants. Photos or items not used will be inventoried and stored for future use or will be made available to past participants.

Beginning in October, the AYS Steering Committee will be appointed and begin its work soliciting public input for the future of AYS and developing a profile for the next Director of AYS. The Committee’s meetings will be public and input is encouraged.

The Town and AYS are appreciative of the outpouring of support from residents over the past several weeks. As program participation and development continues to expand over the coming weeks, residents are encouraged to provide feedback by emailing NextStepsforAYS@andoverma.us.

Register for programs by visiting www.andoveryouthservices.com and follow AYS on Facebook at Andover Youth Services and on Instagram at @andoveryouthservices.

This press release was produced by the Town of Andover. The views expressed here are the author’s own.