By Susie Trenkle

Friends of YOM, the only source of real revenue that the Yours Ours Mine (YOM) Community Center has, is looking to the Levittown community and surrounding communities to help with funding a capital project on the YOM building.

Friends of YOM President John Rotondo has said that $175,000 is needed to complete the planned capital project which includes repairing the damaged roof, a new air conditioning unit, and work on the building facades. The architectural firm which has studied the building found, in 1995, that "the overall condition of the building facades is poor." In their conclusion the firm explains that there is extensive cracking throughout the acrylic stucco finish, there has been algae growth on the finish due to the thickness of the finish coat which has caused cracks which trap water, and the acrylic stucco has separated from the insulation. Based on these conclusions about the facades, the firm has recommended that the entire acrylic stucco system be removed and a new finish system be installed by a contractor. The firm has found that the overall condition of the roof system on the existing one story main building is good, but discovered, "the roof of the one story nursery school addition, as well as the second story addition is poor." Both of these repairs would be included in the capital project, which in 1995 the architectural firm estimated would cost $134,194. Because prices have increased over the last several years Friends of YOM is currently seeking $175,000 to get this work done.

In an effort to raise funds toward this capital project, Friends of YOM is in the process of planning fund raisers for the coming year. Among those fund raisers currently being worked on are a Pasta Night, to be held sometime in February and a dinner dance, which would be held on April 25. Friends of YOM is hoping that a Levittown car dealership will donate a car that the organization can raffle off to help fund this project.

YOM is an important part of Levittown, providing a place for senior citizens and children to go, as well as providing drug and alcohol counseling for people of all ages.

In addition to helping those with a substance abuse problem, YOM helps the families of these individuals, through various programs. The Children's Program begins with a six week Family Education Group, which provides family members with a clear understanding of the information that their children will be learning as well as specialized groups aimed at helping children understand problems associated with substance abuse. The Adolescent Track specializes in treatment for adolescent abusers from age 13-18 and their families. Using the "family approach" to adolescent treatment, YOM addresses problems of the adolescent abuser such as the need for substance abuse education and treatment, lack of employment, high school drop out rate, poor relationships at home and school, lack of family involvement, and the beginning of criminal justice involvement. The Adult Program offers full services for both the abuser and significant others. In addition to treatment for the abusers, if the client is in need of a higher level of treatment YOM assists in referrals to appropriate treatment centers.

The substance abuse treatment programs are just one aspect of YOM. Other services offered at the facility include Nursery/Day Care, before and after school child care, and 10-week summer child care; Family Life/ Youth Development programs, which include a full array of youth services; and Senior Community Services, including the Adult Day Program for frail/impaired elderly.

It is because of the wide variety of services that YOM provides to so many different members of the community that leads Friends of YOM to ask for the help of the entire community to help maintain the YOM building through this capital improvement project. Their goal is to have the funding for this project by the end of 2001. Those who would like to contribute to the capital project can send checks to: Friends of YOM, 152 Center Lane, Levittown, NY 11756.

In addition to funding, Friends of YOM is also seeking volunteers to help make phone calls, do some of the legwork, and help out the board. Those who are interested in volunteering can call John Rotondo at 731-1119 or leave a message on the Friends of YOM voicemail: 796-6633 ext. 266. "We need hands to help," said Rotondo. "If you don't have the money, please donate time which is just as valuable."