To the editor:

As we start the New Year, we would like to take this time to say thank you to all who supported the Saranac Lake Youth Center in 2017!

2017 was a year of growth for the center. A new director was hired, and our former director moved on to the board. We hired an assistant to help with program development and oversight due to the increase in youth attendance. Through these changes the amazing volunteer participation, between the Board of Directors and our regular volunteers, helped keep the center running smoothly!

We saw some changes inside the center as well. Rich and Nancy LaBombard donated a beautiful upright piano, delivered by Madden’s Transfer & Storage, which generously waived its fees. The basketball area was prepped in anticipation of putting in a full-size basketball hoop. We also rearranged the front lounge area to accommodate the large amount of backpacks that are brought in on a daily basis.

Our daily visits increased by 20 percent from 2016, and in November we hit a high average of 33 youth per day! While these numbers are wonderful, it meant that our expenditures and need for supplies increased. Our plea for help — in the form of our appeal letter, grants, funding requests, fundraising and wish list — was heard, and this community was incredibly generous! We are very grateful for all that has been done to help the Saranac Lake Youth Center provide a healthy, substance-free, supervised and FUN environment for our area teenagers!

Our goal in 2018 is to continue to provide programs that help to develop social skills, personal growth and responsibility. We will achieve that by having an active youth council, offering informal counseling and facilitating group discussions on a variety of subjects. We will increase our community service, participate in local events and celebrations, and work with local businesses and organizations to hold youth activities and to brainstorm solutions to common teen problems and issues.

We hope you will continue to support the Saranac Lake Youth Center in 2018. We have so many things that we want to accomplish, but we cannot do it without you. Thank you again for a successful 2017, and best wishes for a wonderful new year!

Sincerely,

Aleacia Landon, director

Saranac Lake Youth Center

Saranac Lake