This two-year agreement and partnership with the Borough of Pottstown took effect January 1, 2020. Hovey added, "We are an organization committed to compassionately helping those in need and building communities. Our Board believes that this will be a transformative moment for both Multi-Service and the Ricketts Center.
We intend to be good stewards of the Ricketts Center and fully embrace a partnership with the individuals and families we are excited to serve in the coming years." Pottstown residents will see a structured calendar of offerings including sports, fitness, health and wellness, youth meal program, and academic support (tutoring, homework help, reading programs) - offered free of charge to the benefit of the community.
Youth can find a safe space and positive role models to help them become strong stewards of our community. For area residents who have enjoyed the Center at Spring Street, Meals on Wheels, Case Management, Wellness Council programming, and Preston's Pantry at the Boyertown site. those services will continue in their existing capacity.
The Ricketts Center will be focused on providing community centered programming to youth, their families, and the community. Multi-Service will not be duplicating case management, behavioral health, the community food pantry (Preston's Pantry), or older adult programming that already exist in Pottstown. Instead, they will work with and refer to these valuable, essential community partners who are already providing those successful and much-needed programs in Pottstown.
Multi-Service has selected Ms. Jocelyn Charles as the Ricketts Center Director. Ms. Charles is a Pottstown native and graduate of Pennsylvania State University. At an early age, Jocelyn developed a passion for working with others in a helping manner and has always loved connecting with different types of people. Jocelyn has dedicated her career to helping her community as a whole, with a focus on supporting youth. She has a passion for serving others, and it shows in her actions, which include leading youth programs, volunteering at church, assisting those facing juvenile probation and residential treatment, providing childcare, and working at Boys and Girls Club of America.
She attributes her passion for working with children to her ability to remember what it feels like to be one. Her philosophy is, "How can we equip our youth with the right knowledge if we've forgotten how their minds work?” Multi-Service is thrilled to have Ms. Charles leading the staff, volunteers, and programming at the Ricketts Center, working in the community to build collaborative and impactful partnerships to benefit those being served. In January, Multi-Service coordinated "Phase 1" of improvements to the Ricketts Center, including cleaning, fresh paint, furniture, features to increase the safety of the facility, and much more – with a "wish list of priority items and improvements continuing to be incorporated moving forward. As of January 21st, the entire facility is now open, with entire facility is now open, with "winter launch hours" of Monday through Friday from 11-8 pm. Structured programming is offered daily. Additionally, the fitness room is open daily, free of charge, to teens and adults.
Pre-registration is not required. Additional weekend hours and programming will begin in March. A Meet and Greet/Open House sponsored by the Pottstown Ministerium will be held Thursday, February 13, from 2:00-6:00pm. All are welcome. A "Grand Opening Celebration & Ribbon Cutting" is being planned for April. More details to come! Multi-Service will engage many fabulous volunteers to help at the Ricketts Center! To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Heather Lewis at hlewis@boyertownareamulti service.org. Multi-Service's many programs truly would not be possible without our incredible volunteers in the community! Beginning in February, a monthly calendar of daily programs and activities will be publicized.
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR ALL INFORMATION ABOUT THE OPEN HOUSE, SOCCER, AND ALL THE VARIOUS OFFERINGS WE HAVE.
For more information please contact Multi-Service, or visit www.boyertownareamulti service.org Contact Information: Lydia Messinger,
Executive Director Boyertown Area Multi-Service
200 West Spring Street
Boyertown, PA 19512
www.boyertownareamulti-service.org
[email protected]
610-367-6957
Ricketts Community Center
658 Beech Street Pottstown, PA 19464
484-945-1020 484-524-8241