Budget cuts leave youth recreation center with host of needs

The Maricopa Youth Recreation Center opened its doors in February. However, due to budget cuts at both state and local levels, the center has needs that are going unmet.

Open Monday through Friday from 2-7 p.m., the center, which is located at 19756 N. John Wayne Parkway (behind Great Western Bank), serves Maricopa youth in grades 6-12. This year 195 students have actively participated in the center’s activities, an average of about 30 per day.

Activities include a game room, snack bar, computers, music and drama classes, peer leadership programs, photography and special events including guest speakers, dances, and game nights.

“Kids who come to the center always seem to be bringing back more of their friends,” said CAASA program director Priscilla Behnke. “It’s great.”

CAASA (Community Alliance Against Substance Abuse) employs four staff members and relies on student volunteers to help manage the facility, as well as to help run areas like the concession stand.

However, this fiscal year several funding sources have dried up due to the downturn in the economy. According to Behnke, this has led to fewer classes being offered to the youth, as well as making it more difficult to purchase needed supplies.

The following is a list of items the Youth Recreation Center needs and hopes to have at some time in the near future. Residents, who may have some of these items to donate to local youth, may drop items off at the center during its Monday through Friday open hours.

Maricopa Youth Recreation Center wish list:
• DVD player
• IPOD
• ITunes Gift Cards
• Color printer, compatible with a PC.
• Copy machine for office use that can make quick copies
• Paper: copier, white, colored any art or sketch paper, notebooks
• Art Supplies: glitter, paint, paint brushes, glue, sponges, crafts, markers, easels,
• Locking cash box
• Novelty items (bracelets, bubbles, glow sticks, plush animals, stickers, notebooks, lanyards, items that can be used as incentives)
• Pens and pencils
• Display Counter new or used, locking preferred
• Locking Display Cabinets
• Cleaning Supplies; disinfectant sprays, paper towels, toilet paper, Windex, mop heads, brooms, dust pans, trash bags
• Ping Pong table (or gift cards to Wal-Mart or Sports Authority for the Joola inside Table Tennis Table)
• Ping Pong Accessories
• Cash Register
• Folding tables
• Bean bags, floor pillows
• Video games for Nintendo WII (rated E for everyone)
• Folding Chairs
• Paper plates, napkins, plastic cups, disposable eating utensils
• Snacks: chips, candy, popcorn, pretzels, condiments
• Locking file cabinets or locks for filing cabinets 2-6 drawers
• Rolling Desk chairs (4)
• Radio: am/fm and CD

Gift card and cash donations are also accepted. Checks can be made out to Maricopa Ak-Chin CAASA. For further information, contact Behnke at [email protected].

“We believe this center is a great service to the children of Maricopa and hope to keep it going,” Behnke said.

Photo by Joyce Hollis