Something very exciting is about to begin. This year, all the families, businesses, fraternal and other organizations, schools, churches, synagogues and media will help to erect our area's first community center for Farmingdale, Plainedge and Massapequa. We have all seen the damage done to the youth in our area because they do not have a positive place to go if they need emotional support or just some structured environment to go with their peers...It's time for all of us to do something about it and we need your support, at all levels.

Our Mission:

We are planning to build, within our community, the new headquarters of the YES Community Counseling Center, to function as a counseling, recreation, meeting and entertainment center for the entire community.

Background:

YES Community Counseling Center has been living up to its motto "Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow," for over 20 years. As a non-profit youth and family service agency we have worked diligently and steadfastly to support the needs of the community. Services provided include:

* Individual and family counseling

* Outpatient drug treatment services

* Comprehensive employment services, including job counseling and placement.

* Programs for divorcing parents, bereavement and loss, suicide, successful parenting, and much more.

YES is supported by the Nassau County Youth Board, the Nassau County Dept. of Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Town of Oyster Bay, NYS Dept. of Education, NYS Office of Children and Family Services and NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, Roslyn Savings Foundation, Mercantile Foundation and other local sources.

Serving the Community:

Besides housing all the functions of YES, your new facility will include a vast array of recreational outlets for all the children of the community. We hope it will become a healthy alternative to the typical night plans of "just hanging out." It will also have meeting space available for organizations

But, in order for your new center to meet these goals, your voice must be heard. What are the needs of your family and community?

Please join your neighbors, friends, school officials, business leaders, the best of the Long Island media and others at our first organizational meeting. This is when all committees will be formed. Share your ideas, or just listen...we need you.

Date: May 18. time: 7:30 p.m., Location: Massapequa HS., Little Theater, Merrick Road, Massapequa.

If you have any questions, or for further information call 799-3203.

June S. Hoffmann