The neighborhoods served through the Youth Center Campaign are among the poorest in the city with high rates of youth crime, gang activity, and drug selling. Indian Orchard is an isolated neighborhood with a 29% poverty rate in the poorest section around the Moxon Village housing project. The North End has a child poverty rate of 86%, making it the poorest community in the state. The need for after-school programs is well documented, as are the consequences of not engaging youth in poor, underserved neighborhoods in Springfield. Fortunately, the same neighborhoods that are in need of programs are home to religious congregations that are stable institutions that have made their surrounding neighborhoods a high priority. Blessed Sacrament and All Souls Churches are the largest Spanish Catholic churches in Springfield and are located in the North End. Greater New Life Christian Center purchased a former school in Indian Orchard that borders the Moxon Village housing project. There is 1700 square feet of space available for youth programs and activities.

By combining parishioner volunteer efforts with the involvement of parents, schools, public and social service agencies, the ingredients exist for high quality programming.

We will keep you posted on the latest occurrences with the Youth Center Campaign.

February 2009

Blessed Sacrament received a $20,000 grant from Baystate Health Systems that will enable them to begin their youth program. They will have a year round basketball program for children ages 7 - 12. All participating youth and their parents also will take part in a violence prevention program.

Greater New Life has opened its after-school youth center on Fridays as of February 6, 2009. The programs include: art, youth entrepreneurship, computer use and workshops, and recreation.