Founded in 1993 through the collaborative efforts of local youth involved in gang activity, City and County agencies, and concerned citizens, United Community Youth Center, UCYC, has grown over the past ten years from a drop-in recreation center to a youth center which offers a variety of recreational and educational programs including sports, tutoring, homework assistance, a science and math program, table games, literacy enhancement, high speed internet computer lab, and vocational skills.

The UCYC mission is promote peace with pride in young people of all cultures by providing a safe place where they can gather, grow and develop in mind, body and character, for the greater health and safety of their families and our community. UCYC achieves its mission by focusing on the following goals:

* To promote a safe place for young people of diverse cultures to recreate and develop.
* To promote youth participation in the governance and maintenance of the Center.
* To promote helpful involvement in the Community.

UCYC serves local youth and teens Tuesday through Friday from the hours of 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM. On Saturdays, the center is open from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Sunday from the hours of 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

While at the center, members participate in activities such as basketball, board-games, a high speed internet computer lab, homework and tutoring, literacy programs, arts & crafts, billiards, air hockey, foosball, hip-hop classes, teen clubs, Teen Talk (sponsored by Health and Human Services), leaderships programs, snacks(made possible by Foodlink), table games, listening to music, and hanging out with their friends. Special events include family picnics, dances, movie nights, field trips, and more. Most of the activities are structured and are lead by volunteers or staff. Other activities are not structured, but are supervised by staff or volunteers.

In addition to youth programs, and in collaboration with the Tulare County Probation Department and the Courts, UCYC offers youth on probation an opportunity to serve their allotted community service hours at the center by mentoring others and making positive choices.

UCYC is located at the City of Visalia Recreation Building at Recreation Park, 345 N. Jacob, next to Provident Skate Park and the Oaks ball field.

For more information about UCYC, please call the UCYC Director at 713-4967.

VISALIA BRANCH