Pemi Youth Center was chosen as one of thirteen non-profit agencies across the greater Lakes Region to receive a grant from the Meredith Village Savings Bank Charitable Fund in 2014. The Center will use the $5000 grant to support their After School Program, which provides a safe, supervised, after school environment that engages youth in educational and enrichment activities to support academic and social development.
All services at the Pemi Youth Center are provided at no cost to youth or their families. Staff and volunteers provide positive role models and mentors for attendees and lead them in a variety of after school activities including: academic support, mentoring, creative arts, recreational activities, cooking, empowerment groups, drug and alcohol prevention, a science program, community service opportunities, college planning assistance, and much more. In addition to these activities, the group prepares a healthy meal daily and 90% of participants eat dinner each week night at the Center.
“This program provides young people, who may otherwise be heading to an empty home, a safe and supportive place to come make new friends, gain positive role models and participate in fun and educational activities that help them build confidence and expand their interests,” said Jessica Dutille, Executive Director for Pemi Youth Center. “We are so appreciative of the generous support from local businesses, like Meredith Village Savings Bank, who help us to continue to provide this after school resource to the youth in our area.”
Established in 1999, the Pemi Youth Center provides a safe and welcoming environment where youth can gather after school, on weekends, and during school vacations and can participate in programming that allows them to develop their abilities, talents and interests and makes them feel that they are a valued member of their community. The team at the center is dedicated to engaging youth through adult and peer mentoring, creative arts initiatives, social and recreational interaction, and opportunities for community service. For more information, visit www.pemiyouthcenter.org.
MVSB established the Meredith Village Savings Bank Fund in 1997 under the leadership of John Starrett who was then president and CEO of the Bank. Since then, 248 grants totaling more than $971,992 have been awarded to a wide range of environmental, social, educational, and historic projects throughout the Greater Lakes Region and Plymouth areas. Over the years, the Fund has supported literacy programs, after-school programs, environmental monitoring and education, restoration of historic structures, organizations that provide support for individuals and families in challenging circumstances, and equipment that helps save lives. The deadline for consideration for the 2014 grant cycle is October 15, 2014. Applications are available on the Bank’s website (www.mvsb.com) and at all MVSB offices.
Photo Caption: Left to Right: Nancy Mardin, Branch and Business Development Manager for MVSB, Samantha Diemond, PYC Staff, Chris Mohan, PYC Site Director, Charlie White, PYC Program Attendee, Jessica Dutille, PYC Executive Director, Dan Stein, PYC Staff and Kelly Beebee, Branch and Business Development Officer for MVSB.
