In 1999, a concerned group of Richfield Springs parents founded the non-profit The Zone Youth Program to address challenges facing the children of the community. Their goal was, and still is, to establish a positive environment where the youth of Richfield Springs as well as teens in surrounding communities can thrive. “The Zone” moved from rental facility to rental facility until it was decided to work toward a permanent home for the organization.
With much planning by the many dedicated volunteers and the generous help of the community, we were able to construct a building on the corner of Walnut and Ann Street. We moved into our new facility during the summer of 2009. The Zone Youth Program now has a permanent home. Time brought not only growth but also change….in regard to the expansion of our programs which necessitated additional space. In 2024 with the success of a Capital Campaign, a new 30’x40’ addition was added to the original building. The expansion also offers a much larger space for renting of our facility.
In addition to our premier program– The Zone Youth Program– the Center offers T- Zone, Stories Come Alive, SOUPer Seniors and Dungeons & Dragons as well as Community Fun Days. The Center hosts Otsego County Office For The Aging senior meals twice weekly and also offers a convenient location for several non-profits to hold monthly meetings. The Center sponsors many community activities that engage the youth, their families and older adults. Major fundraisers also take place during the year. We have transitioned into a central hub for those locally a well as those in surrounding communities!
Mission Statement: To empower individuals with educational, emotional and social life skills through effective programming, enabling the family unit to become stronger, ultimately creating a thriving community.
Vision Statement: Continually providing quality programs and services that foster positive change.