SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A beloved local organization dedicated to helping teens in Lackawanna County is starting a new chapter.
The NEPA Youth Shelter, known for its safe and inclusive space for high school students, has faced challenges but is working tirelessly to continue its mission.
The NEPA Youth Shelter has been a place of comfort and care for hundreds of teenagers over the years, and soon, its new location will be right down the road from Scranton High School.
Maureen Maher-Gray started the NEPA Youth Shelter back in 2017 as a way to become a safe haven for teenagers
"Back in 2017, we thought if we opened a teen center, we could start building relationships, and that over time if kids were needing help, or needed anything for a crisis, or even just a simple situation, that they would know from building that relationship that we were there for them," said Maher-Gray.
The shelter recently moved from its Wyoming Avenue location to a temporary space but has now secured a permanent home just down the road from Scranton High School.
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"I was kinda like 'Where do I sign?' You could see the bleachers from the parking lot from the memorial field so I'm really excited that we're going to really jump our numbers again next semester and be able to serve a lot more kids," Maher-Gray explained.
The center provides a variety of free services after school to teens ages 14 to 19, including hot meals, snacks, access to personal care products, educational support, and even counseling
"Police statistics tell you that 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon when school gets out is some of the highest crime opportunities because nobody is home and kids know that. We just strive to make sure they come here, they're not tempted to do those things, they don't get involved with people who are doing those things," Maher-Gray continued.
Though the space is bare right now, renovations are coming soon for a secure entry, a kitchen, laundry facilities, and specialized areas for art, music, and group activities
"It's going to about $125,000 to $150,000 to fix this all up, but we're already starting to get donations towards that expense. Without the public's help, we would be dead in the water and that tells me people care about these kids who are displaced, don't have a lot of resources, and think that speaks so much about the character of the people of Scranton," Maher-Gray added.
The NEPA Youth Shelter's new location is expected to open in the new year and they can always use donations.
