Youth Center Dream or Reality?

Since before the beginning of Horizon there has been an effort to begin a Youth Center in Northport. During the Study Circles and Visioning Phase this was again brought to the forefront of discussion. We have met and partnered with Bethel Youth Centers on different fundraisers and events. Well, due to some unforeseen events the Chewelah Center closed 3 months ago. Bethel has offered Northport all of the items we would like from that center. Items include 3 pool tables, air hockey, pinball machine, Frogger machine, ping pong table, weight equipment, TV’s, X Box, Play station 2, games and so much more. We have everything needed at this time to open a center. What we lack is a location and sustainable donor base. The cost to operate the center right out of the starting gate is $100.00 a month insurance, $26.00 a month to assist with the newsletter, monthly donations needed for rent of a space, and utilities.

Many Volunteers Art and Nina Grobben, Ed Nichols, Gary and Kathy Jones, Dean and Sandi Everson, Terry and Linda Gunderson, Lloyd Ward, and 8 people from the Chewelah Center all helped load up in Chewelah. Six trucks, three trailers and 5 hours later tired bodies were heading towards Northport to try and unload by dark. In Northport, Jesse Anderson, Chuck Wilson, Adam Baird, Candy Baird, Jim Dowd, Rob Miller, Abrahm Lynn, John Corcoran, Dusty Rieckers and Jared, helped us unload in record time and before dark.

This was a huge undertaking. I believe the realization of a Youth Center is within our reach if we can find a suitable location. Chuck and Diane Wilson have currently donated a storage unit for us to use till we can find a location in which to begin operation. This was a major part in us being able to accept the donation of equipment. Thank you to Bethel Ministries for believing in us and giving us this opportunity to provide a safe place for the youth of our town to come, gain skills, make friends and match up with mentors. If you know of a location to rent please call Sandi Everson at (509) 732-8847. If you have a donation please make payable to NCPR, PO Box 967, Northport, WA 99157. Please mark what it is for. Thank you, Northport Community!