Sidney Youth Center Comes Back

Today’s youth are facing more stress and anxiety than ever before, which has led to an increase in youth mental health and substance abuse issues in Richland County over the years. Since Sidney Public Schools switched to a four-day week back in the fall of 2020 we, as a community, have been searching for a way to keep students engaged in healthy activities during their extra day off each week.

Sidney Public Schools, along with the Drug Free Communities Coalition and Faith Alliance Church, have teamed up to bring you the Sidney Youth Center. Our goal is to provide a safe place where students grades 6-12 can come to hang out, play games, do homework, and get some free tutoring if they need it!

“This has been something our community has wanted and needed for quite some time now,” says Jaylea Siroky, DFC coordinator, “ and even before switching to a four-day week we’ve struggled to provide a resource for kids to relax or receive support outside of school. I’m excited to see how we can build on this in the future!”

The Sidney Youth Center reopened on Friday, Sept. 17. Kids are welcome to come anytime between 1-4 p.m., and we will continue to be open on every Friday that kids are not required to be in school.

We are still actively searching for adults who are passionate about helping youth in our community to volunteer during these days. Anyone who is interested should contact Harry Owczarek, [email protected] or Sean Dodds, [email protected] for more information.

The Sidney Youth Center is located at 301 E. Main, Sidney.