Inspirational New Home for Newton Teens Opening Feb.1

Starting February 1, Newton teens will have a new “home away from home” at the West Suburban YMCA. The drop-in teen center will provide a safe and enjoyable place for teens to spend time with their peers, participate in substance-free activities, and to be part of a meaningful, welcoming community supervised by caring adults who provide resources, encouragement, and inspiration. The new teen center builds on the successful Chestnut Street Teen Center, established as a collaboration of The Newton Partnership and Newton Community Service Center in 2009. Approximately 200 teens a year participate at the Chestnut Street site.

According to the Director of The Newton Partnership, Susan Linn, “Our nonprofit community has been working together for more than a year to take the Chestnut Street model from great to even better. The Y’s location and newly renovated space are ideally suited to be the next chapter of the teen center.”

Chanda Gunn directs the Teen Center. At a recent meeting with teens who attend the Chestnut Street Center, Susan Linn asked, “What do you find helpful about this place?” According to Susan, “the kids practically began chanting Chanda’s name.” “And it’s easy to see why,” adds Mary Kern, Vice President of Operations at the Y: “Chanda brings exceptional energy and skills to connecting with kids and creating an engaging and dynamic program for teens.”

For additional information about the Teen Center or to schedule a visit, contact Chanda Gunn, Program Director for the Y’s Teen Center, at 617-244-6050 or chandag@westsuburbanymca.org.