The Verge Youth Center at Somebody Cares New England is offering a basketball program this summer as part of expanded programing.

Marlene J. Yeo, founder and executive director of Somebody Cares New England, and Lori Jane Simmer, director, were guests recently on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. Simmer explained the program’s mission.

“So our youth center really focuses on life skills, really equipping the youth of our community with skills to overcome life’s challenges. And especially this summer we have all sorts of fun things in place for the kids to give them structure,” Simmer said.

Yeo said she was inspired to open the youth center six years ago after a gang-related shooting happened outside the Somebody Cares building.

Simmer said the basketball program aims to inspire confidence and sportsmanship while at the same time teaching basic basketball skills.

The free program runs Mondays through Fridays, from 2 to 5 p.m., rain or shine at Somebody Cares, 358 Washington St., Haverhill. It is open to middle and high school students. The center also offers games such as pool, air hockey and PlayStation 4.

Teens interested in art may also participate in an art activity each Monday and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m.

In addition to weekly basketball and art activities, Somebody Cares offers a free art and basketball camp for three days in August which includes lunch, dinner and a backpack. The program runs Aug. 7 through Aug. 9 from noon to 7 p.m.

In addition to its summer youth center programming, Somebody Cares offers year-round after-school activities for elementary school children ages 7 to 11 every Wednesday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and for youths 11 to 18 every Friday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Teens choose their own goals, earn points for attendance and progress and redeem them monthly for field trips to area entertainment venues.

(CUT: simmer-both-parties-win.wav) “Our teenagers right now are teaching from the curriculum of “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” So right now we are just wrapped up number four, think win-win. Really teaching the teenagers that when you have conflict it doesn’t have to be you and them, one side wins over the other but really finding a compromise when both parties win,” said Simmer.

Two summer block parties for the neighborhood with games and summer treats are planned for Saturday, July 26, and Saturday, Sept. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Somebody Cares also offers a mobile food pantry for seniors on the second and third Thursdays of the month and a family pantry at the Washington Street headquarters on the last Thursday of the month.

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