Youth Programs
Duggan Apartments Celebrate with a Party for Young Set
Children crowded into a mobile game center, ate pizza, had their faces painted and even learned a few things about finance at an open house on April 19 at the new after-school youth center at Springfield Housing Authority’s John J. Duggan Park.
The afternoon event celebrated the new 51 Layzon Brothers Road headquarters for youth programming at the development in the Indian Orchard neighborhood. Children now have ample space for after-school, holiday and summer programs that help keep them focused on schoolwork as well as fun.
The center’s physical move is part of the $6.7 million federalization project underway at Duggan, where new windows, screen doors, sidewalks and other improvements are being done.
At the open house, boys and girls took turns playing games inside the Arcade on Wheels and doing other things set up by SHA’s Resident Services program.
For Kevin Delgado, 11, the event was an unqualified delight.
“This is my favorite game,” he announced as he steered his electronic car through a series of road challenges on a big screen.
Sisters Anaih, Yaire and Yaireliz Tanon, ages 7, 9 and 8, took bites of pizza as they explained by the center is such a good place to be.
“They help you with your homework,” said Yaire.
“And then we have fun,” chimed in Yaireliz.
SHA Resident Services Director Pamela Wells said the celebration served to underscore the importance of youth programming, and to recognize the diligent work of staff. Along with that was the intent to show off the new digs to all involved.
“We wanted to give parents the opportunity to see the place and to understand what opportunities their children are getting here,” Wells said.
The event featured visits several SHA administrators, including Board of Commissioners Chairman Timothy Babcock, Executive Director William H. Abrashkin, and Deputies Michelle Booth and Nicole Contois.
The afternoon also included the presence of ADC Prevention Services, which provides counseling, educational and exercise programs at Duggan and three other SHA developments – Moxon, Pine-James and Riverview Apartments.
ADC President Arnold Cox was on hand to explain his company’s mission.
“Our goal is to teach our kids to be able to navigate through the pitfalls in their environment, so that can be successful in their lives,” Cox said.
Abrashkin said he believes family programming, particularly that with a focus on children and learning, are key to fostering independence and personal success among SHA residents.
“This is part of our work with our residents to help break the cycle and open up opportunities for families and children. For the children, that comes in the form of wholesome activities in programs like this one,” Abrashkin said.
For parents like Debra Taylor, the after-school programs gives her comfort and security, knowing her eight-year-old daughter Ashanti is in a safe place on weekday afternoons.
“It’s good for the kids. It gives them good things to do, and a chance to do their homework,” she said.
The Duggan after-school program runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 3 to 6 p.m., and during holidays and summer vacations.