A new youth center has opened at the YMCA’s Maplewood Neighborhood Center in Rochester. 

The YMCA of Greater Rochester was awarded $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funding for the project. Funding will provide free meals and after-school programs for kids and teens ages 12-18 at the YMCA’s Neighborhood Centers at the Maplewood and Lewis Street YMCA locations.

“For decades, the YMCA has created safe spaces for youth to play, socialize and stay physically active,” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said in a statement. “This ARPA investment will expand those offerings to underserved teenagers by providing free meals and giving them a healthy and safe after-school facility. Thank you YMCA and all their partners for providing this service to our teens. Thank you to the Monroe County Legislature for approving this grant and Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer and Congressman Morelle for securing the American Rescue Plan Act funds to make this happen.”

According to the county executive’s office, ARPA funds will also be used to support YMCA fitness and meal programs for older adults and health and wellness services, including telemedicine and education, three Neighborhood Center locations. This includes the Thurston Road YMCA Neighborhood Center in the 19th Ward.

“The YMCA of Greater Rochester has a history of working with our community to serve its most pressing needs,” said Ernie Lamour, president and CEO of YMCA of Greater Rochester. ”Right now that is our youth and teens, and it crucial we provide them with a safe space where they can be encouraged, supported and given the opportunities to succeed. I am proof of that and am where I am today because of the YMCA. We are grateful for County Executive Bello and county legislators for their support in helping us provide that type of environment for teens in our community.”