The Phoenix
The Phoenix Kids Café and Youth Center in Waverly, New York, opened its doors on October 4, 2004, after two years of hard work by staff and volunteers. It’s the result of a combined effort of the Community Nutrition & Wellness and 4-H Youth Development programs.
The Phoenix gives studends in grades seven through twelve a safe and nurturing place to go after school.
Purpose
Its purpose is to provide nutrition education, job skills training, community service opportunities, free food, social and entrepreneurial opportunities, tutoring, educational resources, and other activities that promote positive and healthy youth development.
Funding
Initial funding was provided by a $20,000 grant from ConAgra Foods to CCE Tioga through America’s Second Harvest and its local affiliate, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, which will provide the nutritious snacks and meals for the students.
Donations
The Best Buy Children’s Foundation donated $7,500 for computer equipment and software on top of giving the cafe its large television and VCR/DVD player, and employees from the local Best Buy distribution center volunteered time to set up the computers and install the software.
Still Growing
The Phoenix is open five days a week during the school year, and about 20 students have been stopping by each day to do homework, participate in programs and enjoy the free snacks. Attendence grows as the word gets out, and more programs are being added monthly.
