MARYSVILLE — The community is invited to celebrate the opening of the new Marysville Family YMCA Youth Development Center on Aug. 31. The public can take a tour during the open house from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., celebrate the opening at the ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., or enjoy fellowship at the community barbeque at 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP to Anne Scott at ascott@ymca-snoco.org if you plan to attend any of these events. Teen and family activities are also planned throughout the day.

Formerly the Marysville Food Bank, the 3,400-square-foot building will house program space for the ACT (Actively Changing Together) youth obesity program and the Exercise and Thrive cancer survivorship program. In addition there will be a Computer Lab and a Teen Center. There is also meeting space available for other programs as needed.

YMCA staff will be able to monitor member safety and participation throughout the building thanks to the installation of six security cameras.

The Computer Lab will provide project-based learning that will increase computer literacy and soft job skills. It will move youth (ages 10-18) from using computers solely for video games, to using them for completing homework assignments, conducting internet research, and bringing their creative ideas to life.

Youth will learn how to design and publish their own web pages and how to record and produce music and videos. The computers will also be used to deliver educational seminars to youth that expose them to various career paths and successful role models from the community.

“Through this programming, we have a real opportunity to capitalize on the natural competencies of our youth by delivering a program that increases their technology capacities and prepares them for real-life experiences in locating and obtaining employment,” said Reeshemah Davis, executive director, Marysville/North County Family YMCA.

Through programming at the Center, the YMCA will assist teens in learning and practicing youth development skills. The space will encourage diversity in a welcoming and emotionally and physically safe environment. The Teen Center that is currently housed in the Marysville YMCA facility will move to this new space and will serve 2,500 youth per year.

This project would not have happened without the generous support of the community. The Tulalip Tribes donated the money to purchase the Food Bank building with the intent of providing a teen center. Through the purchase, the YMCA assumed a Snohomish County Development Block Grant that was issued to the Food Bank until 2026. This grant requires the YMCA to provide services to low/moderate income persons, wellness activities for the elderly, chronic disease support groups, parenting classes, after-school activities and movement education. These requirements align perfectly with the programs and services already provided by the Y through its mission focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Bob Wicks, the original architect for the Food Bank building has generously donated his services for the renovation of the new space. In addition, Fineline Fixture & Case has donated all of the cabinets and counter work being built into the renovated space.