Silver Bay YMCA is excited to announce that the Cloudsplitter Foundation has awarded Silver Bay YMCA with a $5,000 grant for the Silver Bay YMCA Ticonderoga Teen Center. The Cloudsplitter Foundation was founded in 1987 and re-domiciled in New York in 1999. The Cloudsplitter Foundation’s goal is to be a second-order influence on the social and environmental needs of the Adirondack region.
Silver Bay YMCA’s Vice President of Development and Government Relations Walt Lender spoke on the grant award, “We are thrilled that the Cloudsplitter Foundation is supporting our Teen Center. With so many great new activities at the center and such energetic and dedicated staff we are proud to be recognized in this way. The youth of our rural community need this program to help them become successful adults.”
The Teen Center, which is open five days a week during the school year, is a free drop-in program for area teens in sixth through twelfth grades. At the Teen Center teens can participate in structured programming, receive homework help, learn life skills such as cooking, meet new people, participate in Leaders Club, and more.
Teen Center Cooking – Chef Tony: Silver Bay YMCA’s Chef Anthony Basile gives lesson in cooking at the Silver Bay YMCA Ticonderoga Teen Center.
“The grants we receive enable us to create a safe and inclusive space where teenagers can learn, grow, and thrive. Our goal is to create a safe and engaging environment for teenagers to connect with their peers, access resources, and engage in positive and constructive activities. This grant helps to strengthen the community by providing a valuable resource for teenagers and promoting youth development. We are grateful for the support of these grants, as they play a critical role in our ability to make a positive impact on the lives of the teenagers we serve,” stated Jackie Palandrani, Silver Bay YMCA’s youth and teen director.
“Funding allows the Ticonderoga Teen Center to continue to provide Y-AIM as a free youth and teen program for program participants,” said Uriah Rodriguez, Silver Bay YMCA’s vice president of programs. “With almost one hundred youth anticipated, enrolled and participating in 2024, Y-AIM is designed to support each student through high school and provide an optimum chance for graduation and college admission. The program provides area teens with a safe space to connect with their community, engage in opportunities to grow, and the freedom to be themselves. Through after-school tutoring, enriching educational experiences, recreational activities, and counseling, we empower the teen-aged residents of Ticonderoga, Hague, and Putnam. With a focus on building positive relationships, academic support, and fostering leadership skills, Y-AIM offers a holistic approach to addressing challenges such as school dropout rates, low GPA, poor leadership skills, and lack of parental support. Additionally, we bring in guests to demonstrate critical life skills like healthy meal preparation, wellness, and leadership.”
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