Support Our Community: The Impact of The WaterFront Center on Local Youth and Families
At the heart of every thriving community lies the dedication of organizations that go above and beyond to support its residents. Two such organizations are The WaterFront Center and The Youth and Family Counseling Agency. These two nonprofits have been a beacon of hope for countless children and families in Oyster Bay-East Norwich.
The WaterFront Center (WFC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Oyster Bay, New York, offering marine education, sailing programs, and rentals for paddleboards, kayaks, and sailboats. We also provide harbor tours on our historic oyster sloop, CHRISTEEN. The Youth and Family Counseling Agency (YFCA) has been a pillar of support for families in need, tirelessly working to help those facing adversity since its establishment in 1969.
When vital programs like B.O.B (Better Oyster Bay), a free program for children in the park, were threatened, The WaterFront Center stepped in to fill the gap. With a commitment to providing enriching experiences, The WaterFront Center offers free programming during the summer, ensuring that local children have access to safe, engaging, and educational activities.
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening, YFCA partners with The WaterFront Center to run a two-hour program that encourages kids to get outside and be active on the water. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, children embark on exciting kayaking adventures, exploring the beach while learning about marine education and recreation. Wednesdays feature sails aboard Hobie Catamarans, where participants learn the ropes of sailing and experience the beauty of our bay. These engaging activities not only foster a love for the water and nature but also help build confidence and teamwork among participants.
The WaterFront Center's free programming is about more than just summer fun; it’s about creating a supportive environment where children can flourish, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships. By providing these unique experiences, The WaterFront Center plays an essential role in shaping the lives of young people in our community.
As we reflect on the importance of community support, we invite you to become part of this mission. Your donations can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who benefit from The WaterFront Center's initiatives. Together, we can empower our children and strengthen our community. Donate today and be a part of this vital work that uplifts our families, communities, and future generations.
Thank you for your support!
“I’ve been working at the youth and family counseling agency for 22 years. One of the most special programs is the summer experience, which started over 11 years ago.
Many of the children who live in Oyster Bay come from families that cannot afford to send their children to a summer program. So when the program started the summer experience, the children did not have experience in swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing.
They were so afraid to get on the kayak and paddleboard that once we got them to learn and experience it with the help from the waterfront center, they became individuals who wanted to be there every day and do the same thing every day. That’s when we started three days a week, each for an hour and a half on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. They come every year for the same thing because they enjoy it.
The only issue is they have their fear of not being able to learn how to swim, but they still get on the kayak and still get on the paddleboard and still go sailing. I hate to say this, but they prefer paddleboarding, it’s so cool!
For the last 11 years, it’s been over 250 kids, and they come back every year. And they can’t wait! They’re already signing up early, and it’s a good thing because the parents see the big difference in their kids’ being part of the community and learning something new they did not have access to beforehand. I want to say thank you to The WFC, the staff the directors the committees because without you, the kids wouldn’t be doing this in the summer ”
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