LIMA — Knowing that the need for outreach does not stop when school lets out, Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth is teaming up with the Lima Urban Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach program to host several summer programs designed to help youth stay connected and challenge them to grow.
SAFY officially opened the doors for its youth drop-in center in March. The drop-in center helps young people age 12-17 in the Lima area that are dealing with abuse, domestic violence or sexual assault. The summer program officially began June 1 and will continue until school starts in August.
“We have a whole range of kids coming in,” said Lima Behavioral Health Director Judy Lester. “We have homeless children walk in and spend the day, and we have parents drop them off and pick them up. We get referrals from the police, schools, parents and counselors.”
So far, the drop-in center has provided a variety of activities for youth during the summer. Activities have included yoga, art projects, and many clinics on concerns such as anger management, drug and alcohol prevention, respect and going out on safe dates. The children even learned gardening with help from the Allen County Gardeners.
“There are many children who are homeless or victimized,” Lester said. “Or sometimes the families just need a break. The feedback has been that it is a necessary place. This is a safe place they can go and we take care of them and feed them.”
Lester said it is simple as walking in the front door to participate in the summer programs. A quick intake process is done for funding purposes only. More than 80 children have been helped since the program started. Lester added that they are applying for more funding to add a kitchen area. Participants in the program can eat lunch at the St. Rita’s Cafe or have canned soups and microwaveable foods at the location on 658 W. Market St.
“We really hope the state will see this as an important piece and allow us to add a kitchen area,” Lester said.
For more information about the summer program, call Jasondra Upthegrove at 419-222-4474 or Judy Lester and Pat Reynolds at 419-222-1527.
