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<br /> . <br /> B. PROPOSED PROJECT <br /> . The project NYFS proposes to develop is a Youth Activity Center designed to meet the needs <br /> of youth ages 10-15. The Activity Center would be developed and operated in conjunction with <br /> a minimum of seven municipalities of northwest suburban Ramsey County, and two school <br /> districts within NYFS' service area. <br /> The significant need for a Youth Activity Center for middle-school aged youth has been <br /> identified by area city, school and other concerned groups and individuals. NYFS was developed <br /> as a result of a joint powers agreement with the ten cities, and throughout the years NYFS has <br /> developed programming to meet identified community needs. Thus, the agency is seen by the <br /> municipalities it serves, as an appropriate vehicle for developing and providing the Youth <br /> Activity Center. In order to implement the proposed project, facility renovation needs to occur <br /> and program equipment needs to be purchased. NYFS is approaching the Minnesota Board of <br /> Government Innovation and Cooperation to request the start-up facility and equipment costs of <br /> implementing a Youth Activity Center. <br /> The Youth Activity Center would be a new activity for the agency. Currently, NYFS provides <br /> programming at its offices, in school buildings and on-site at local community centers. The idea <br /> of developing a multi-city Youth Activity Center did not become a reality until recently, when <br /> NYFS started the process of purchasing a building with enough square footage to dedicate 3,000 <br /> square feet to a Youth Activity Center. Recreational and other activities would be available to <br /> youth in this drug and smoke free environment monitored by NYFS youth workers. A large <br /> screen television, computer stations, study areas, tables for crafts and games, pool tables, and <br /> . other opportunities would be offered. Efforts would be made to link Activity Center participants <br /> to employment, counseling, and other program offerings of the organization. A youth run <br /> business will be conducted at the Youth Activity Center. Youth will operate a concessions area <br /> (Teen Canteen) and provide low cost food and beverages to Center participants. <br /> Start-up funds are needed to renovate the Youth Activity Center space to make it usable for <br /> youth, and to purchase needed equipment. <br /> The grant would be used to: <br /> - build a separate entrance to the Youth Activity Center portion of the building, including signage <br /> and a canopy; <br /> - add security lighting on the building and in the parking lot; <br /> - remove ceiling tiles in the area to open up the space; <br /> - remove existing walls and erect walls within the Youth Activity Center; <br /> - build a fire exit; <br /> - install handicapped restrooms within the Center area <br /> - Install a security door between the Center and the other parts of the facility - in order to make <br /> the Center usable outside of normal NYFS business hours; <br /> - carpet the Youth Activity Center; <br /> - purchase the following items of equipment: <br /> lounge furniture (including tables, chairs, couches), pool table, television and VCR, cash <br /> register, refrigerator, pop machine, toaster oven, microwave, tables & chairs for "Teen <br /> . <br />