the Pinole Senior Center. We’ll have some local area vendors, wineries, and we will have a wall of art made by the kids from the youth center.” The various events the youth center and foundation participate in are opportunities to get the youth directly involved, said Martin. “For example, at the Christmas event at the Pinole Senior Village they sing carols and mingle with the seniors, and for the Relay For Life they are actually participating in the walking,” she said. “The youth love it and I think it exposes them to different things in the community.” With the dynamic array of activities available to keep kids engaged during their out-of-school time, The Pinole Youth Foundation’s hard work is certainly showing. Last year, according to Martin, the Pinole Youth Center served close to 1,000 kids from in and around Pinole. Kids who participate in the after-school program enjoy activities such as sports, crafts, games, and get help with their homework. The youth center also has a van that provides transportation from local schools to the youth center. For kids ages 15-17 there is the Leaders in Training (LIT) program where they serve as assistants for activities and field trips, act as a role model with youth participants, and acquire community service hours necessary to graduate The Pinole Youth Foundation (PYF) Board of Directors. From left to right: Jim Shattuck, Erica Jones, Laurelle Martin, Maureen Powers, and Gary Miner. from high school. The ten week Pinole Summer Adventure Day Camp is also big, according to Martin. “Last year the kids did trips and had themes. The youth center tries to do a trip once a week,” she described. A visit to the water park, an Oakland A’s game, indoor rock climbing, Chabot Space and Science Center, and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom are just a few of the weekly trips participants were able to be a part of during last summer’s day camp. The Pinole Youth Foundation awards close to ten one-week scholarships for the summer day camp to families each summer based on financial need. “We have a small center but it is vibrant and we are proud of the programs we offer for such a small city,” she said. “When we have events, like the summer day camp, we have children coming not just from Pinole but from surrounding communities as well.” While the youth center is happy to welcome any child who wants to participate, the fees are slightly more for non- Pinole residents. Having a strong belief that supporting youth is the way to a better future, Martin wants to see the work of the foundation continue to grow so the services at the Pinole Youth Center can expand. “I’d like to secure more funding and for us to be able to provide more summer day camp scholarships as well as increase our leadership training program,” she expressed. “Our essential goal is to enhance the quality of life for our youth.” For more information and ways to get involved visit www.ci.pinole.ca.us/youth. < The Halloween Carnival is one of the biggest events the Pinole Foundation holds each year to raise money to continue providing necessary support for the Pinole Youth Center.
Contra Costa Marketplace - May 2016
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