Anthony J. Bibbo Youth Center

Director: Gary Sinclair, (617) 244-1404 x370
Assistant Director: Ellen Manning, (617) 244-1404 x372

Located at 429 Cherry Street in West Newton, the Bibbo Youth Center began operation in 2004 and is a state-of-the-art teen center. Our center includes pool, ping-pong, foosball, music, video games, movies, a computer lab, music room, weight room, a study hall, a full kitchen, and weekly off-site events. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Fridays from 5-10:30 p.m. The Center is not open on Saturdays or holidays except for special events.

The Chestnut Street Center

Director: Chanda Gunn, (617) 340-6579

Located at 1254 Chestnut Street in Upper Falls, the Chestnut Street Center is a brand new facility just opened in the fall of 2009. Established to serve NSHS students and other teens from the south side of Newton, this new Center in many ways replicates the very successful program at the Bibbo Youth Center. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Fridays from 5-10:30 p.m. The Center is not open on Saturdays or holidays except for special events.

What is a teen center?

It is a “place” and a “concept” that…

Offers many tangible advantages to teens and to the community.
Provides a safe, supervised and enjoyable place for teens to be with their peers.
Provides opportunities to participate in fun, meaningful, substance free activities.
Gives teens opportunities to explore leadership roles.
Provides caring adults who want to help teens develop by providing encouragement, resources and inspiration.
Provides important information to teens about health and safety issues.
Provides referrals to other available services.
Promotes positive youth development--Healthy decision-making, conflict resolution, and problem solving.
Encourages a sense of belonging and social skill development.
Provides structured activities and special events that offer teens alternatives to engaging in destructive activities such as alcohol use and other drug abuse while also providing youths with a chance to assert their independence in a constructive manner. The activities offered in the centers might include art classes, dances, musical concerts, discussion and support groups, fundraising efforts, intergenerational activities, trips and more.
Promotes ownership and responsibility: Teens create and care for their space, establish rights and responsibilities for appropriate behavior in the center, help plan activities and are involved in program operation.
Promotes self-esteem and lasting connections through community service opportunities to give back to the community.
Provide youth leadership roles: Give teens opportunities to take on responsibilities, expectations and challenges.
Gives youth a positive voice and empowered input in serving their own needs and the needs of their community.