McGlyn Training Center, which serves children over 34 years

WILKES-BARRE – CEO Peggy Nork said the McGlyn Center has been serving children and young people for over 34 years as part of the Wilkes-Barre housing.

“We are happy every day to help children succeed in learning and become responsible young people who hope for their future.” Said Nork. “Our success would be impossible without the dedicated volunteers, donors and community support we receive each year. The reality is that our program to help children and families would not exist if we did not receive annual grant funding from the United Way of Wyoming Valley, Mercy Foundation and McGowan Foundation, along with our community supporters – donors, community organizations , private foundations and local businesses ”.

Founded in 1988 by the Sisters of Mercy and the Wilkes Barre Housing Authority, the McGlyn Center is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy.

The McGlyn Training Center this month received a $ 500 donation from the Weis Markets / TimesLeader Media Group for the year.

The center caters for about 150 children and teens living in townhouses on the boulevard and in the village of Mineral Springs – two family-run Wilkes Barre housing estates. The center is located in the living quarters of each building.

Currently, the Center has three full-time and one part-time staff. There is a high reliance on community volunteer teachers and university students to help children and adolescents who are registered and attend programs. The Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization that exists through funding for grants, donations, and fundraising events.

“We are happy to receive support through several annual grants from the United Way of Wyoming Valley, Mercy Foundation and McGowan Foundation,} Nork said.

The center provides after-school and summer programs that help children do homework, ESL, help read and master computer skills, and recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities for first-graders through high school living in two poor-income changes.

In addition, children from grades 3 and up participate in the Botvin Life Skills classes, which are held weekly. This program is used to teach students the skills of drug and alcohol prevention, nonviolent confrontation, self-esteem / confidence, and relevant social skills.

Pre- / post-test design is used to measure program effectiveness. The teen program for 7th graders and above teaches topics such as social skills, overcoming anxiety, bullying, financial literacy, conducting interviews, and writing resumes to prepare teens for the future.

Free registration – the only requirement – is the current place of residence in one of the family buildings.

• Reward-based program for attendance and participation

• Educational, cultural and wellness excursions

• Daily snacks and holiday parties-Travel with reports – tables are provided for reference; the trip is earned by good classroom behavior, with no negative comments from teachers, and grades reflect abilities.

• Eleven-month program – The Center is open on weekdays from 14.30 to 18.00, as well as on days when there is no school.

• Educational and health excursions are conducted during school holidays. In the summer months there is an all-day program Monday through Thursday with scientists in the morning and activities or trips in the afternoon.

• Limited coverage – The center helps children and families with other needs, such as food insecurity, clothing, rent assistance, and, if necessary, helps with resources for local services.

The McGlyn Center is a proven prevention program. Since its first opening in 1988, no child or adolescent attending the Training Center has participated in the juvenile justice system.

Every year about 150 children visit the training center. More than 94% of attendees are transferred to the upper class at the end of the school year.

“We have a lot of kids who are handing out certificates of perfect attendance every year,” Nork said. “We are proud that several of our students are included in the list of honorees for each period. Every year we have students involved in activities such as bus patrols, student counseling, sporting events and the National Society of Honor. ”

For more information

Peggy Nork, CEO

McGlyn Center

Mailbox 842

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702

570-824-8891