The seeds that were sown by Anna Coleman and have been cultivated with her care have blossomed into a youth center that is thriving. Patagonia Youth Enrichment Center (PYEC) seems to be fulfilling its intended purpose: to provide a supportive, safe environment where teens and preteens can feel at home.
Although average daily attendance is down from 42 to 32 as a result of other summer activities since school vacations began, the center has 67 signed Emergency/Code of Conduct forms and passes out more each day. It is open every day but Wednesday and Sunday and welcomes youth of all ages from 3 to 6 p.m. From 6:30 to 8:30, the center is available to middle and high school students, and after 8:30 to high schoolers only. Director Coleman says that most summer evenings she keeps the center open past 10 p.m. because the high school youth are watching movies, hanging out, or playing games. Every Friday and Saturday night, the center offers dinner to 10 to 20 high schoolers (and occasionally middle schoolers), and they have “Movie Night.” During the day, healthy snacks are always available.
But the Youth Center is more than a place for teens to hang out. They do science experiment activities with Laura Wetzel from the Patagonia Library (STEM program) and join in on “Staying Healthy” workshops offered by Mariposa Health Center with topics like STDs, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS prevention, and healthy relationships. A group of high school girls have formed a peer mentoring group for the younger girls to help them learn about choices, self-esteem, empowerment, and representing their gender in positive, appropriate ways.
Participation by the youth in administrative activities contributes to a sense of ownership. Three high schoolers have been added to the center’s board of directors and serve as the formal voice of the youth. There is also a Youth Advisory Council, made up of upper elementary, middle school, and high school youth. These kids enforce rules, make suggestions, are in charge of the daily operations, and have an overall “ownership” in the happenings around the center.
The center is expanding the outside by making a volleyball and basketball area, as well as a picnic seating area. The youth are growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelon in planter boxes made by Steve Coleman and are also tending to the flower gardens. Says Anna, “It has become a ‘home’ for many kids, to be safe, have fun, and receive support in many areas. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful place—an amazing center filled with love and acceptance.”
Anna continues to look for funding and grant opportunities to help with things the center still needs and to provide some financial stability. She welcomes adults who would like to visit or to become a part of the center.
It takes a special combination of abilities, and a generous heart, to create the environment that Anna Coleman and her husband, Steve, have made for our youth. We are fortunate to have them.