Program Information and Hours: During the school year the  Youth Center is a safe and secure drop-in program; you can relax with friends, play ping-pong or pool, watch TV, read and do homework, play PS4 games, and utilize the large computer lab. Daily hours throughout the school year are: Monday – Friday, 2:00pm – 7:00pm. During the summer we host our annual Summer Camp during the hours of 8:00am-5:30pm. The Youth Center is closed on Saturday & Sunday.

Director’s Message

As we enter into November with Thanksgiving just around the corner, I think it is important to take a minute to reflect on things we are grateful for.  It’s very easy to dwell on the bad things in our lives (especially after the hand that 2020 has dealt us), which is why it is so very important to find an attitude of gratitude.  We all have things in our lives that are not working out the way we want them to, but we also have things that we can find gratefulness in.  I want to encourage you to really take time out of each day this month to really focus on the positive things in your lives.  For instance, did you know that 75% of the world lives in substandard housing without plumbing, electricity, or insulation?  If you have somewhere to go home to each night with plumping and lights, you are in the top quarter of the population in the entire world.  And that 1 in 3 people in the entire world don’t have access to clean water?  I know it is easy to dwell on the negative things going around us which is why it is so important to focus on the good things we do have!  So this month, I want to encourage you to take time to focus on the good things in your life and strive for an attitude of gratitude.  

I can tell you, one of the things that I am thankful for is my wonderful staff here at the Youth Center who constantly provide positivity on a daily basis for our youth!  I am thankful for the staff and administration at Flagler Schools that work harder than other school district in the country to ensure that ALL of our students are provided with the best opportunities!  I am also thankful for my right to vote on November 3rd and all the veterans that have served to protect that right as we honor all veterans on November 11th.  

Speaking of opportunities, the Youth Center is open daily from 2-6 pm and provides many opportunities for ALL Flagler students in grades 6-12.  The Youth Center is also partnering with the Flagler Youth Coalition to provide a walk up movie on November 21 from 6-8 pm at the George Washington Carver Community Center for all Youth in Flagler County and our student advisory group will be giving back to the community this month along the with Matanzas High School Athletic Department by helping the Rotary Club of Flagler County put up their annual Fantasy Lights display.  

I want to thank you for all the hard work you do for our youth on a daily basis and I want each of you to know that you are appreciated and you are making a difference!  

Road to Success Program

RTS started its 8th year and have increased our student enrollments to 50 youth per year. We also have increased our teachers’ hours, allowing them to provide students with additional one-on-one tutoring and job coaching.  RTS has reached 238 GEDs to-date, with 30 students obtaining honors. We continue to keep the classes small with sizes around 6 to 7 students per teacher.  This month students obtained their Food Handlers Certificates and had presentations from FTC, Domestic Abuse Council and DJJs “Know the Law”.  Students worked on their resumes and interviewing skills. Students completed a series of mock interviews set up with local businesses, Habitat for Humanity, Flagler’s Youth Center, Gioia Sails South and with entrepreneur Joe Wright to interview students for the programs paid internships.  Students also completed their Graduation pictures and went on a field trip to the Museum of Arts & Science in Daytona.  

Coming up in November and December students will have a series of workshops by the Domestic Abuse Council on healthy relationships and warning signs of abuse.   They will also have presentations from FTC and obtain their First Aid & CPR certifications.   RTS is having their Thanksgiving luncheon in November for all former graduates and current students and staff at Sonny’s BBQ.   Students are having their graduation pictures completed in December and will be taking a field trip to the Daytona International Speedway for a tour. 

If you have any questions about enrolling into the RTS Youth Program or would like to partner with our Paid Internship program, please contact us at 386.437.8279. Willardb@flaglerschools.com , Brian Willard, Program Manager.