By JOSHUA THOMAS

C-S-E Editor

CANAJOHARIE — While the Canajoharie Community Youth Center was recently informed that it’d suffer a substantial loss in annual funding — to the tune of $20,000 — the kids that attend the CYC’s numerous programs, including the current After School Program, wouldn’t know the facility is in the midst of hard times, as the center’s staff and board continue to provide premium programming in a safe space.

It’s no secret that times are hard for organizations that depend on donors and fundraising activities, but CYC staff and board members have made it their goal to continually improve the center despite financial setbacks.

Thanks entirely to donations and deals on flooring materials, the center recently re-carpeted the room adjacent to Director Dontay Fowler’s office, which, thanks to the donation of 34 computers by the State of New York, will soon become the center’s computer room.

The state’s generous donation will allow the CYC to schedule computer-based courses, including a robotics program taught by Jim Hutchison, along with potential adult education classes.

Additional facility floors are in the process of being carpeted and tiled, and Fowler noted that the CYC has long term plans to make the massive downtown space more energy efficient. New, more accurate thermometers have been installed to replace the old mercury ones, and future plans include updating plumbing to fix leaks, and sealing windows and doors to cut down on drafts — both repairs that Fowler hopes will help save on heating and water costs.

A 47 inch television, and mounting bracket, was recently donated by Canajoharie resident Gary Drumm. A significant donation from the Canajoharie Boiling Pot Eagles, in the amount of $2,000, will also help keep the shelter on its feet for the time being, said Fowler.

The CYC is also planning to have a rock wall fully erected by the time the center’s summer program begins. The rock wall, which will be located on the stage at one end of the center’s gymnasium, will be purchased with funds raised during the center’s summer 5K event, along with money being raised through a February “Pass the Rock” raffle, which Fowler said has become popular very fast, as each entrant has a chance to win money every day of the month.

Currently, the After School Program sees shelter staff — reduced to Fowler and part time After School Assistant Kamille Logan — attending to 30 kids each day of the week.

Despite funding cutbacks — the $20,000 gap left by the disbanding Canajoharie-Palatine-Root Community Chest being the most severe — After School Program enrollment is at capacity, with new kids turning in applications daily.

Even if the shelter were still scheduled to receive the $20,000 donation, which covered a significant portion of maintenance and utility funding, Fowler said “we’re still riding a fine line.” If the funding can’t somehow be recouped, “we’re in danger of shutting down,” he said.

Even prior to the notice that they wouldn’t receive the annual $20,000, increased costs and decreased funding caused the center to cut back on staff and summer hours, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All trips were cut from the summer program as well.

Of the funding the CYC must somehow obtain, Fowler stated, “We need to find it, so we reach out to the community.”

Beginning Jan. 19, over the course of three days, the center’s employees and nine member board canvassed the villages of Canajoharie and Palatine Bridge, leaving flyers at over 2,2000 houses, to let people know the predicament the center is in.

While the future of the center is uncertain, Fowler said that remaining staff will do anything they can to maintain the high level of service provided to the local community’s children and families.

He noted that he’s always on the hunt for general funding and grant money, commenting “I instantly became a grant writer when I got this job.” So far, he’s sent letters requesting funding to corporations, politicians and sports teams.

While the future is uncertain, Fowler is moving forward with the planning of this year’s summer program, noting that as long as the CYC exists, it will provide a safe place for local children to gather.

“I want to make sure this place can continue on so my kids can enjoy it like I did,” stated Fowler, explaining that his position there is not just a job, but an extension of the formative experience he had in the same space as a child.

The biggest reward in extending the CYC’s legacy, he said, is “seeing happy kids.” Fowler explained that recently the After School Program attendees made and signed a card for him that said “thank you for caring about us.”

Fowler noted, “that type of stuff is priceless.”

“We want people to know that we’re still here, and we still need their help, and even though we’re struggling, we’re still making a difference,” Fowler concluded.

The shelter has, as of this week, begun hosting a family workout program, every Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. Families may attend the program for $3.

To find out ways you can help the center stay afloat, to donate, or just to keep updated on CYC happenings, visit their new webpage at www.canajohariecyc.org, or visit their Facebook page by searching for Canajoharie CYC.