YMCA at Glen Cove Continues to Build a Brighter Future for Teens

Glen Cove, NY (February 10, 2015) — The YMCA of Glen Cove recently added a free “Teen Drop In” program to its overall Teen Program initiative after recognizing close to 600 teenagers and pre-teens from Glen Cove and surrounding communities taking advantage of its free Friday and Saturday Teen Center programs. The Drop In program is open to all 8th-12th grade high school students on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30pm-6:00pm and offers students a place where they can socialize, play basketball and workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center. The new program also offers a YMCA personal trainer who works with many of the teenagers on exercise plans they can follow. In January, YMCA at Glen Cove’s Teen Drop In program served 247 teenagers.

The Teen Drop In program augments the long-existing Friday Night FREE Pre-Teen program and Saturday Night FREE Teen Center. The Pre-Teen program operates each Friday, from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Children ages 8-12 years old have the opportunity to play sports and swim, do arts and crafts, and participate in special events. The Friday pre-teen program experienced a significant increase from 50 to more than 200 children since October 2014, when the program was revamped.

Each Saturday, YMCA at Glen Cove closes its doors to all YMCA members at 6:00pm and re-opens them for children ages 13-18 years old to enjoy the Saturday Night FREE Teen Center.

This program is designed to keep teenagers off the streets by providing them a safe and secure environment. Last month, 357 teenagers participated in structured basketball games, exercised in the swimming pool and fitness center, relaxed in the teen lounge and took Hip Hop and Zumba classes. All participants of the program must go through a five-minute orientation where they are read the code of conduct and explained how the program operates.

“YMCA of Long Island is providing a free service for teenagers that no other organization on Long Island offers,” said Anne Brigis, President and CEO of the YMCA of Long Island. “Our weekend Teen Centers and Teen Drop In allow working parents to have peace of mind knowing their pre-teen or teenage child is in a safe and active environment at no cost to the family.”

“We are committed to recognizing a need within the community and being a resource to fulfill the need,” said Sue Rassekh, Executive Director of YMCA at Glen Cove. “In opening the facility to students after school two days a week, we are providing our pre-teen and teenage community the opportunity to keep their bodies and minds active while socializing with their peers and making new friends in a safe and structured environment.”

During each YMCA at Glen Cove Teen and Pre-Teen Program, the facility is fully staffed with two staff members at every location, with the exception of the pool which has two counselors on deck and two lifeguards on duty.

All YMCA at Glen Cove Teen Programs are free to members and non-members who can register at the Member Services Desk anytime during the program’s season, October-May. For more information on YMCA at Glen Cove’s Teen Programs, log onto https://ymcali.org/glen-cove/pre-teen-teen-center/ or call 516.671.8270.

The YMCA is a leader in providing programs that strengthen the mind, body and spirit connection. Long Islanders of all ages and fitness levels learn to live their healthiest lives inside the YMCA’s state-of-the-art facilities in Brookhaven, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Bay Shore, Huntington and Patchogue. The YMCA of Long Island is a cause-driven nonprofit organization that works to strengthen communities through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For information and locations, visit www.ymcali.org.