we invest in our community

Our Members

We welcome any and all students, 5th through 12th grades, in Warren, Washington, and Saratoga counties.

The children who are members of the center are a diverse assortment of cultures, races, ethnicities, belief systems, and personalities. They are also at risk.

Many of our members face a lack of resources and food insecurity at home. The majority come from low-income families; 90% live below the poverty line and qualify for free or reduced lunch at school. They may need access to things like academic support, technology, or even a quiet space to do homework. They may need to have good, healthy habits and self-care modeled and reinforced. And, most importantly, they need a place where they feel like they’re safe and they belong. Here, they’re welcomed, wanted and, most importantly, they are loved—because we believe that everyone deserves to feel that way. We want to be here for all the kids in our community, but especially those who need us most.

At the Youth Center, we provide a consistent, safe, and secure environment for all. And we have a lot of fun! Every day we eat and exercise and do homework, but we also play and compete and joke and grow and laugh. When you’re here, it doesn’t matter what circumstances you come from—we welcome everyone, believe in everyone, and want to provide opportunities for everyone.

Come See What We’re All About!

We want everyone in the community to know what we do here at the GFAYC. Many people know that our organization exists, but don’t realize the extent of our offerings, like daily snacks and meals, tutoring, job coaching, STEAM education, theme weeks—the list goes on! And everything we provide is completely free of charge.

Our building is also a sight to see. We have a gymnasium, full kitchen that feeds 60 to 80 kids per night during full operations, a game room, a homework room, a workout room, and more! But the real wonder is how the building looks on the inside. We like to say that when people walk into the Youth Center for the first time, they feel a little bit like Dorothy opening her door to Technicolor. The walls are full of life: superheroes unite on our Wall of Fame, surrounding plaques that honor many generous donors; Spongebob greets you at the bathroom doors reminding you to wash your hands; and, in a nod to a Youth Center favorite, the Headless Horseman stands at the gym doors ready to throw his “head” (a flaming basketball) at Ichabod Crane.

 If you’d like to learn more or stop by for a visit, give us a call or send an email.

Everyone is welcome—our community is vital to the Youth Center’s mission!

We Remember

“All it takes to turn a kid’s life around sometimes is one small success. Just winning a trophy in a tournament or learning to shoot a basketball can make all the difference in the world. Kids need to know they can accomplish something positive, and that somebody cares.”

— Matt Congdon

May 8, 1959— June 13, 2019

Matt Congdon was a selfless man with an unwavering spirit and an indomitable will. He spent 36 of his 60 years on this Earth trying to make an impact on the lives of the children in this community. There is no doubt that he succeeded.