YES Community Counseling Center has been providing programs for children and families since their doors opened in 1977. Located on Broadway in Massapequa, the nonprofit agency has worked with thousands of children providing a wide range of services. All types of children and all kinds of families have been assisted through their efforts. One parent stated, "YES is a place for people to go when they have no one to listen to them, where there is a caring counselor waiting to listen and help. It's a place for people to go to feel good about themselves. It is a place for people who are crying out for help and direction in their life to go and receive that help." And, from Carol Giannattasio, Massapequa PTA Council President, "YES Community Counseling Center is a very important center to Massapequa. Many community families, young adults and teenagers depend on this wonderful organization. YES has helped many people in need at desperate times in their lives. There is no other community center in Massapequa that the young adults could depend on."

YES, governed by a volunteer board of directors of local business people, educators and parents, has worked hard to ensure that the agency continues to be there as a helping resource for all members of the communities of the Massapequas, Farmingdale and Plainedge. Working together with the schools, law enforcement, PTA, civic, fraternal and religious organizations, YES has grown stronger over the years. The demand for parenting and bereavement programs, conflict resolution, anger management, leisure time/recreational, violence prevention, divorce and support groups have grown tremendously over the past two decades.

And so, YES, in response to that demand, is about to move ahead into the 21st Century with a new facility including a gym, creating a real community center for residents. In doing so, however, they need help and that help can come in many ways. Jamie Bogenshutz, the agency's executive director, stated that "Perhaps the most obvious level of support is through direct donations. The board of directors have established a giving schedule that provides for naming opportunities including the building, the gym, the board room, reception area, and meeting rooms. Additionally, a giving tree will commemorate financial donations for the community center." Peter Panaro, the agency's board president, commented, "This is a wonderful opportunity for people in the community to create a legacy that commemorates what children and families and our future are truly about."

YES will be having a meeting on Tuesday, March 6, at the Stuart Thomas Manor, 7 to 9 p.m. for those members of the community who would like to assist the organization in its early development phase. Carpenters, handy people, sheet rock workers, etc. are all wanted. Additionally, Michael Goodman, a Certified Public Accountant/Certified Financial Planner, will be available to provide information on planned giving and other opportunities to financially support this project. Building a community center will be a real community effort.

For further information, please call YES at 799-3203.