Each day, if a child walks into doors of Second Street Youth Center (SSYC) it is insured that they will receive hours upon hours of educational support and comprehensive care for their minds, body and spirit. SSYC nurtures the whole student and provides the tools to not only succeed in the classroom, but to succeed emotionally and socially to meet the demands of today’s society. SSYC students are equipped to be resilient, confident, patient and well rounded. SSYC gives them the foundation to reach and exceed their potential.

OUR HISTORY RUNS DEEP

The Second Street Youth Center (SSYC) provides educational programming, cultural and recreational opportunities for at-risk children in the Plainfield community. Founded 57 years ago, in 1967, SSYC is a multi-purpose agency servicing the Plainfield community, dedicated to the growth intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially of youth and families in our community.

During the summer of 1967, a building owned by Rona Plastics was loaned to the City of Plainfield Recreation Department to provide summer recreation for the city’s youth. Because that summer’s program was so successful, a group of Rona employees formed a committee dedicated to keeping the center open year-round. Later that year, the Second Street Youth Center Foundation was formed. In 2017, the board of the Second Street Youth Center Foundation amended its corporate charter and became Second Street Youth Center Inc.

OUR COLLABORATIVE LEAP OF FAITH

On September 17, 2018, Second Street Youth Center relocated to its a newly constructed state- of -the-art facility. Because of SSYC’s successful history, impressive leadership and tremendous impact within the city, a real estate developer identified SSYC as the ideal community partner for a new development in this ward. In collaboration with the City of Plainfield, M&T Bank, this developer was willing to cover all construction costs for what is now a win-win for the city and the Youth Center.

Historically, there has been an active waiting list of 3- and 4-year-olds in Plainfield who are eligible and eager to begin school, but who cannot be accommodated in the current landscape. This new building will enable SSYC to meet the growing need and accept more students.

The new building included two more classrooms than the current building, allowing us to serve 30 more students for a total of 210

The SSYC’s new home meets all high-quality standards for child health and safety. The building, all on one level, will contain 14 classrooms, each 950 square feet with its own restroom. In keeping with SSYC’s adherence to the STEAM curriculum, every classroom will have six fully furnished learning centers, focused on science, literacy, imaginary play, design, arts and table toys.

OUR PROGRAMS

SSYC Preschool

In collaboration with the Plainfield School District, we operate a High Quality Preschool Program for 210 Children. After more than 20 years of using the Highscope curriculmn, SSYC was selected to pilot Connect 4Learning, a new State approved STEM focused Pre-K curriculmn developed though the National Science Foundation. Based on the successful student outcomes the entire school district will transition to this new innovative curriculmn. All of our teachers are P-3 Certified Teachers in the State of New Jersey.

Afterschool/Summer Program

We offer an Afterschool Program that program provides, homework help, literacy, and STEM related academic enrichment and mentoring for 60 youth.

K-8. Students are transported by SSYC from their respective schools and brought to the afterschool program. Upon arrival, they receive a healthy snack and transitioned into their workstations. This allows us to work with each child in all of the areas we offer. Since 2012, we have incorporated a STEM component into our programming. Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills are increasingly necessary to navigate an ever-more complex world and a globalized economy.

SSYC STEAM Camp

SSYC provides an 8-week Summer STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathmatics) infused camp for children Pre-k-8th grade. We infuse STEAM Academics into the recreational components of a summer day camp experience for low income youth. We have a licensed teacher who develops all STEM related lesson plans and oversees implementation by camp counselors. In collaboration with ARTS for Kids, our students also learn acting techniques, dance skills, vocal training and oration for both singing and verbal communication. Youth attend camp daily from 9:00am- 5:00pm.

They receive breakfast, lunch and a healthy snack. We utilize the project-based approach for our lesson plans, developed by the licensed teacher. All youth receive an initial assessment to determine their aptitude and attitude towards STEAM subjects. We expose youth to all areas of the arts on a rotational basis. This includes exposure to acting, voice, dance and oration, culminating in a performance showcase open to parents and the community.

Family and Community Outreach Services

This program is lead by our Family Community Navigator, who is a Master Degree Level Social Worker This department provides support to families who have complex needs. We also educate the community regarding access to various State benefits, inclusive of earned sick leave and health insurance. We partner with United Way to provide intense case management and funding for emergency needs. Through this department we successfully developed a comprehensive Union County Resource Guide in English and Spanish and distributed 5000 copies throughout the City.

In total, SSYC has educated and enriched the lives of more than 15,000 students. And we have so much more work to do and we need your help.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

SSYC 2.0

We are committed to moving forward with an expansion initiative- SSYC 2.0. The SSYC Therapeutic Preschool will provide an opportunity for SSYC to advance curricula and learning environments that support children experiencing developmental and psycho-social delays before the challenges become such entrenched behaviors that the children become eligible for IEPs or other special education in their elementary school years. This eight classroom preschool will be housed at our new location in Plainfield. As we work to build a collaboration to fund the development of this new facility, we will continue to operate our current therapeutic classroom. We anticipate adding a teacher with her Special Needs Certification to our staff in the 2024-2025 school year. In addition, we continue to seek funding that will allow us to hire a full-time therapeutic staff person, to provide services to our children and their families.

The SSYC Therapeutic Preschool model provides an innovative approach to dealing with a challenge emerging in the wake of COVID-19. Over the last three years, both teachers and parents have witnessed a dramatic increase in disruptive behavior that they are not equipped to address. By placing children exhibiting these behaviors in a classroom setting that is attuned to their needs and to helping them learn new coping skills and resilience, the program can provide a model for other preschool providers throughout New Jersey and perhaps beyond.

Second Street Youth Center - 3rd Annual 2024 Tastes from Around the World - Food & Wine Tasting Event

By Second Street Youth Center

Second Street Youth Center - 3rd Annual 2024 Tastes from Around the World - Food & Wine Tasting Event

To Benefit Second Street Youth Center & Recognize Honorees