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Date: 5/13/2022
HARDWICK – The Hardwick Youth Center serves as a resource for youth, ages birth to 18 years of age from Hardwick and the surrounding villages. Its’ intention is to be a safe place youth can go be themselves and meet other children, fostering friendships with one another.
“What makes the center unique is we are a town funded and donation funded center,” said Director Laurie Desjardins. “We partner with other organizations such as the East Quabbin Land Trust youth educator, Eagle Hill School, Workshop 13 and the Stone Church. We take ideas from our kids on what they would like to do throughout the year.”
Town Administrator Nicole Parker replied, “The Youth Center is an incredible asset for the town, as I believe the youth is our future. Here, they are engaged and supported through activities and stewardship. They embrace all seasons and are taught that being active is fun and a healthy lifestyle is essential to a well-rounded being.”
She went on to say, “The center offers games, activities and art for them to express themselves in creative ways. Almost every week they do field trips to parks or destinations to fuel their body and mind. I encourage all families to take full advantage of this wonderful resource Hardwick provides to its residents.”
The youth center started in the 1980s by a group of townspeople – Eric Volheim, Lucinda Childs, Barbara and Ron Newton, Rod and Linda Leehy. Later, Elizabeth and Jerry Reilly joined the group. The youth center was started originally for teenagers to give them a place to go in a rural area. Since its’ inception, it has evolved, and there are no other surrounding towns that have a youth center paid for by the taxpayers of Hardwick and the surrounding villages.
The center gets around 90 children through all the different age groups. They do a lot of activities with them such as air hockey, foosball, hikes, walks and sports at Gilbertville Memorial Park. The center has recently brought back community dinners where they teach kids how to cook and learn to use fresh vegetables and herbs.
Due to COVID-19, they had to limit the number of children they could have. The center also had to plan most of their activities outdoors. During this winter, they moved indoors and incorporated the youth dinners that they do at the Stone Church. The center is currently open and welcoming Grade 6 to 12 students at this time. The Friday group with Paula is also open from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. on Fridays.
“Our hope is to get our numbers up again, “Desjardins said. “We would love to get more volunteers so we can bring back all age groups. If anyone has a talent or interest and they would like to share with our teens we would love to have you come down.”
She continued, “Our future goal is to open up a summer youth camp. The most fulfilling part of my job is to watch the kids grow; making a connection with them, listening to them and to watch the connections they have with their peers.”
Any child who would like to join can come to the Youth Center and fill out a basic form. The Hardwick Youth Center is located on the second floor of the Hardwick Municipal Building. The hours are Wednesday 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Email hardwickyouthcenter1@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page for more information.