The New Year brought a long-awaited and long planned gift to the Massapequa community. On Jan. 2, YES Community Counseling Center moved from its offices on 30 Broadway to its new home on 75 Grand Ave. in Massapequa.

Moving to its new home on Grand Ave. is the culmination of the agency's vision for the past several decades. The Board of Directors of YES has worked tirelessly to raise funds to ensure that the agency can respond to the growing number of community members seeking assistance, guidance and support.

The new building remains centrally located within the community, and its first floor entrance makes access even easier. Street parking and new and brighter office space makes the building especially appealing. "It is our hope that this building can serve as a center for resources and services for children and families and other community groups. That has been the motivation of our Board of Directors for over 20 years," said YES Board President Peter Panaro.

"This is a milestone and certainly every community member who has supported our agency over the years should be proud of this accomplishment," stated YES Executive Director Jamie Bogenshutz.

She added that help has come in many ways. While some have supported YES through financial donations, others, particularly the Kiwanis Club of the Massapequas and the International Union of Painters and Allied Traders, and other volunteers have literally taken hammer to hand and have helped build the walls that ultimately provide the structure and support for children and families; a permanent legacy to the community's commitment to children.

YES has been providing services to youth and families of the Massapequas, Plainedge and Farmingdale since its inception in 1977. Each year, the agency helps over 1,100 community members who may be experiencing a wide range of problems, including drug addiction, alcoholism, physical and sexual abuse, depression, truancy, divorce and other devastating situations. YES is the only community based organization in this vicinity that offers so many comprehensive services that are affordable and geographically accessible.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be scheduled in the spring so that community members can come and visit their new building. The board and staff are hopeful that everyone who has played a role in their history will be present as they celebrate this profound accomplishment.

YES can be reached at 799-3203.