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

A resource for everyone

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 impact of the Kay Andrews Discovery Center continues to grow:

• Visits by NETS students to the behavioral intervention room have dropped by 20%
• There has been a five-fold increase in family attendance at NETS family nights
• Over 100 people attended NETS’ Thanksgiving Holiday dinner given by staff and students. Several families reported that this event was their only Thanksgiving celebration
• 42 local youth now participate in sporting events in the Discovery Center gymnasium. The majority of these youth were not previously involved in any organized sports activity
• Participation in NYFS after school programs has increased three fold

In less than one year, the Kay Andrews Discovery Center has dramatically increased NYFS’ capacity to improve the lives of youth and families living in our community.

This is just the beginning. We have so much more to accomplish. Our goal is to raise $2.53 million to pay all construction costs for the Discovery Center and we are almost halfway there. Our fundraising efforts will continue until we’ve reached our goal.

 NYFS would like to thank our supporters for partnering with us as we continue to live out

our mission to prepare youth and families for healthy lives.