The Kay Andrews Discovery Center has been in operation at NYFS since September 2009. Already, significant and positive effects of the center have been realized:

• classrooms are less crowded, resulting in less agitation, class disruption and a better learning environment for all

• increased space has allowed NYFS to add a science curriculum to the NETS program

• students are better able to focus on school work and in therapeutic sessions once they have released pent-up energy and frustrations

• the self-contained nature of the Discovery Center provides a safer, more secure environment for youth

• after-school sports programs give low-income and at-risk youth a safe place to play and learn team building skills

In addition to increasing the social and academic skills of NETS youth, the Discovery Center also serves as an affordable space for community events.

NYFS has a long history of collaboration with school, business and civic organizations and is committed to ensuring that this space is an asset for the entire community.

NYFS has already had discussions with another community organization about creating a new program for seniors at the Discovery Center. As needs emerge, NYFS will work with the community to meet them.

The Kay Andrews Discovery Center is a tremendous new resource to the many youth and families served by NYFS, and the surrounding community.

The new NYFS Discovery Center will benefit both NYFS participants and the community at large, filling a significant need for space and programming that promotes emotional, mental, and physical well-being for youth. The Discovery Center is expected to be used up to fourteen hours per day, and will help achieve the following outcomes:

• 90 youth attending day treatment (6th-12th grade) will harness the benefits of daily physical activity for improving focus and mood, mastering new social-emotional skills, and improving overall health and wellness.

• 500 counseling participants (youth ages 5-21 and their families) will benefit from new and engaging therapeutic settings to solve problems and build skills.

• 300 Diversion Program youth (ages 12-18) will heal strained relationships with their parents through shared positive physical activities, arts projects, and meals.

• 100 Discovery Program clients (ages 12-18) will explore visual arts, dance, physical challenges, and other positive activities in a context of wellness.

• 90 Summer Day Camp kids (ages 5-12) will visit the Discovery Center for enriching and asset-building activities.

• Approximately 9,000 youth sports participants (duplicated count) plus thousands of community members will use the Discovery Center for team practices, celebrations, art fairs, and community meetings.

• NYFS will realize a modest earned income stream to offset ongoing Discovery
Center operating costs.