Chinatown YMCA Addresses Need for Youth Programs

Recently we reported on the growing concerns on the Lower East Side about escalating violence among teens – and the absence of structured programs to keep them engaged in positive activities during the summer. The Chinatown YMCA has stepped up to help fill the void. Yesterday, representatives of the organization met with community organizers at the Two Bridges Community Center to launch summer programs. The Two Bridges Center, which faced closure recently due to city budget cuts, is being run on an interim basis by the YMCA. Some of the programs will take place there – others will be run out of the Houston Street Center. We'll have more details in the next few days.