Alex's Place, Teen Center at the YMCA is a Hub for Community Service.

Since its opening a year and a half ago, Alex's Place has been home to Vineyard Teens who want a safe, enjoyable place to spend time, meet new friends, and learn new skills. A major aspect of the mission of Alex's Place is to offer community service opportunities that stimulate compassion and the desire to make a difference in the world around them.

“It has been a banner year for service by our kids” says Alex's Place Director, Tony Lombardi. “Most of the activities and events at Alex's Place are free or at minimal cost to teens. We believe that community service is a way for them to pass forward the benefits they receive from the incredible community support they receive.”

Under the umbrella of the “HumaniTeen” program, all those teens who participate in activities and events are encouraged to give back through service opportunities. To date, the kids have held Elder Tech Fairs at which our elder community met with teens to learn how to navigate the digital realm, how to use their smartphones, computers, and tablets. Teens involved in the Comcast sponsored “Digital Connectors” IT Training Program were especially involved in the two Elder Tech events which were extremely well attended by our elder community.

In addition, teens provided service to Morgan Woods affordable housing community, The Martha's Vineyard Cancer Support Group, The League of Women Voters, The Martha's Vineyard Conservation Society, beach cleanups, and other such groups and organizations. “We intend to keep service and civic-mindedness at the forefront of our mission” says Lombardi. “Learning to give back in gratitude is a necessary skill, especially in this day and age.

If your group or organization has a community service opportunity please contact Alex's Place at

508 – 696 – 7171 EXT 128 or by email at tlombardi@ymcamv.org

For more information please visit their website at: http://alexsplace.net