Group makes plans for hill town youth centerDate: 11/29/2011 Nov. 30, 2011
By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent
RUSSELL — Adults from the hill towns are raising funds for the newly formed nonprofit, Mom’s House, which hopes to soon open its doors to young people from across the region.
Board members have worked at a feverish pace this year, trying to raise funds to purchase locations that could provide a place for young people to go for after-school activities and mentorship.
David Baillargeon noted in an interview with Reminder Publications that Mom’s House was formed by persons of Catholic and other Christian faiths who feel youth should have a safe place to go, as well as to find direction, God in their lives, and love and respect for themselves and for others.
“We need to empower youth to be better,” Baillargeon said inside Swinging Bridge Auction on East Main Street, Huntington, a business he owns with his wife, Lori.
Baillargeon noted that the mission of Mom’s House is to empower youth, encourage a relationship with God, regardless of creed, and to provide a safe, nurturing environment conducive to the teaching of compassion in the hearts and minds of its participants.
“We want to create places for youth to go to learn and also have some fun,” he added.
The next fund-raiser for Mom’s House is a “genuine country western dance party,” according to Baillargeon, featuring the band Shut Up and Dance. The event is planned for Dec. 2 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Russell VFW on Route 20. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 a couple and munchies will be provided. Tickets are available at B & D’s Variety, the Russell Package Store, and Main Street Styles.
With the Baillargeons’ children, Tara, 36, and Renee, 26, out on their own, they felt the time was right to reach out and help other young people who need direction.
In the coming months, Mom’s House will continue fund-raising and welcomes donations of any amount to help in the purchase of the old St. Thomas Rectory in Huntington, which could be used for a performing arts center, as well as for office space, a centralized food pantry, and a clothing outlet. Mom’s House also hopes to purchase the15 acres known as Mary’s Forest in Russell, which could be used for outdoor events, retreats and special gatherings.
For anyone who would like to become involved as a volunteer, call Lori or David Baillargeon at 667-4163. If anyone would like to make a donation, make checks payable to Mom’s House and send to the couple at Swinging Bridge Auction, 10 East Main St., Huntington, MA 01050.
“We welcome involvement from all,” Baillargeon said.
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