ONALASKA COMMUNITY YOUTH CENTER

Youth Center Set to Open in Onalaska

Kids and parents in Onalaska will soon be able to enjoy a wide range of activities and services at a new youth center. Slated to open on June 14, the Onalaska Community Youth Center is designed to provide a safe and sober alternative for the area’s young people.

Pool, air hockey, foosball and Nintendo WII will be available, along with board games, crafts, books, computer access, open gym, homework help, and opportunities to participate in a variety of field trips. Drug and alcohol counseling, at-risk youth counseling, leadership workshops, and career counseling will also be offered. The center will be open Monday through Saturday.

The facility is privately funded by donations received and dispersed by the Cornerstone Foundation for Living, a private non-profit corporation. Partners include Lewis County Social Services, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the True North Student Assistance Program, and the Onalaska School District.

“This will be the only facility of its kind in the county,” said Nathan Yanez, who has served as point man for the project. “We are offering a place for the kids to hang out, but also a place that they can receive the counseling they need from a licensed professional…and we’re offering it at zero cost to the kids and the community. The goal is to provide awareness, education, prevention, and counseling options and to build a positive relationship with law enforcement.”

Yanez got the idea for the youth center after speaking about addictions at the Lewis County Youth Summit in March. “After I was finished, I was overwhelmed by the number of kids who were crying and asking for help. While I was driving home, the vision for the youth center was born. Two weeks later, I’d rented the building and started the Cornerstone Foundation for Living.”

Yanez said the long-term plan is to raise enough money to purchase the location, which includes multiple commercial businesses and a home, and to use the rental income to sustain the youth center. Bob Kraig, former superintendent of the Onalaska School District, is assisting with grant writing.

“We’re in the fundraising stage right now,” Yanez said. “We’re seeking donations from any businesses and individuals who would like to lend a hand. If half of our county residents gave $20.00, our Community Youth Center would be financially stable, and our future secure. ”

Contributors to date include Adair Homes, Palmer Lumber, Quality Rentals, Kilmer’s Flooring America, Cornerstone Media Resources, New Beginnings Community Church, KELA/KMNT, Buzzard & Associates, as well as more than a dozen community members.

“The biggest challenges still lie ahead,” Yanez said. “We’re going to need about $7,000 per month to operate the facility. We know it’s going to take a real effort by the community to make it work.”

If you have any questions or would like to get involved, contact Yanez or Amy Volk at 360.978.OCYC, or stop by and view the facility at 1770 State Route 508, Suite C, in Onalaska.