CLEARLAKE — Former Lake County Youth Center Program Director Joan Moore was commended by the Clearlake City Council Thursday for her dedication to the youth of the community. Moore was presented with a proclamation of appreciation recognizing her for the valuable contribution she has made to the citizens of the city.
Moore has been instrumental in the development of a youth center in the City of Clearlake. According to the proclamation presented to Moore, her pride in her community gave her the inspiration to begin a youth center in Clearlake and due to her volunteer efforts, beginning in Aug. 2006, the youth center located on Golf Avenue, has been open every day for the children of the community to have a safe place to play and learn.
Moore was humble in accepting the proclamation, which was presented by Mayor Curt Giambruno. “I don”t deserve this. There are many more people who deserve this more than me,” she said. “I”m just one little spoke in a great big wheel. Our community has changed because of all the folks in the city and the county.”
The proclamation states that in Feb. 2006 Moore began work to open the youth center at the “Hot Spot.” Due to her hard work and diligence, the youth center opened in April 2006 for teen dances.
“WHEREAS, Joan Moore is a great example of how the efforts of citizens to benefit their community can make our City a better place to live,” the proclamation states in part, “THERERFORE LET IT BE PROCLAIMED the City Council of the City of Clearlake hereby wishes to recognize Joan Moore for her efforts and to commend her for the valuable contribution she has provided the citizens of Clearlake.”
The proclamation of appreciation was brought forth at the request of Vice Mayor Chuck Leonard.
Youth programs, which now operate under Lake County Youth Services, at the center on Golf Avenue, are currently entertaining a schedule in line with school hours and demands. “We”re getting back on track for school,” said Youth Services Supervisor Gigi Mattos. “This year we are setting aside 30 minutes to an hour a day for homework time.”
Mattos added that local youth pastor Nick Logoteta has been welcomed to the staff at Lake County Youth Services. The organization is currently seeking additional volunteers to continue its effort in establishing a One-on-One Mentoring Program.
“By matching children with a compatible mentor we hope to provide an experience that will enrich both the life of the child as well as the mentor,” Mattos said. “So many of our kids are missing a role-model in their lives; someone who can spend one-on-one time with a child. We are looking for mentors that are available to commit to at least one hour a week for a 12 month period, to make a difference in the life of a child.”
The center always welcomes donations and with school in session, school supplies are always needed. The center also seeks anyone wishing to sponsor a child and/or family to help meet the needs of the community. Membership dues are $10 a month per child or $20 a month for an entire family living in the same household.
The center is open 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at 4750 Golf Avenue in Clearlake. For more information call Youth Services Supervisor Gigi Mattos at 994-7281.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
