Schools

Teen Center May Close for Summer Unless Funds Become Available

Board members are seeking help from the public.

Ramona's Arriba Teen Center may not be open over summer if donations to cover expenses do not come through.

Expenses of $250 a month are usually covered by a donation from a few local businessmen, according to board member Nancy Roy, but that money is running out.

"The commitment was to sustain us for a period of time until we could get on our own feet," Roy told Patch on Wednesday.

Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The on Montecito Road leases the complex from Ramona Unified School District and serves up to 35 students a day after school, three days a week. It's the former site of Ramona Community School.

"The district gives us a good deal," board president Kim Lasley said. "They're really supportive of the kids."

Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Arriba Teen Center is due to celebrate its third anniversary in August. The idea for the center came from Palomar Health Community Action Council, Roy said.

"We invited stakeholders to the table and Palomar YMCA was our regional contact—we're on their strategic plan, so we've been in communication with Escondido. They're going to think about what they can work out with this community," Roy said.

But there hasn't been any commitment so far and no word recently, she said.

Roy works full time and Lasley owns a business. Together, the two of them are bearing the load to keep the site open for young people but they are wearing out and each have other commitments, Roy said. She works part-time for Palomar Health and has another part-time job in the health field. Lasley owns Kritter Kamp, a local boarding kennel.

Roy said board members would like to see a paid program director position, so someone with experience in activities can manage the place to free up the volunteers.

The center is funded solely through donations. A grant from Ramona Teachers' Association paid for the computers, Roy said. Silhouette fitness center in Ramona donated workout equipment. To see a video of the equipment,

The center is open 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at 1710 Montecito Road. For more information, contact Lasley at (760) 788-1438.


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