Support the project during Art in the Park
Staff writer
Amy Kjellin and her family have only lived in Marion for a few months but already she is busy with a project.
She is the leader of a group of volunteers that is trying to establish a youth center for those youth who say there is nothing to do.
It all started when Kjellin’s husband, Doug, began his job as Marion Economic Development Director. He had not been on the job very long when Herb Strauser, a Marion Reservoir resident, called and offered to operate a youth center.
“Herb said he had time to volunteer and wanted to give back to the community,” Amy Kjellin said.
From that encounter, Kjellin has been heading a committee of interested residents who want to purchase a building, preferably downtown, and operate a youth center.
With support and participation from MAC, Marion Advancement Campaign, this group, called MYAC, Marion Youth Advancement Committee, needs community input and support.
The group is considering making the project similar to The Hub at Peabody. At that center, there are paid staff members and a process for screening adults interested in volunteering. Young children are allowed at the center but would leave at a certain time in the evening letting high school-aged youth have activities appropriate for that age group.
Concerts, access to computers, gaming systems, a pool table, and a snack bar are among the plans for the Marion center.
“I’d like to see the facility be available during the daytime for other activities,” Kjellin said. She also would like to see a separate area for special projects or tutoring.
Kjellin made it clear that the executive committee does not want to compete with what’s available but as an asset to the community.
“This center will have no strings attached and won’t require money. It would be open for anyone,” she said. “We want to provide positive alternatives.”
Kjellin has education and training to back up her intentions. She earned a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling and previously worked with non-profit organizations. Her most recent position was an adviser at Hutchinson Community College.
The committee encouraged input from the community in August during Friday Night Fever, a promotion sponsored by Marion Chamber of Commerce. A total of 120 people signed a “petition,” showing their interest in the project.
A name for the youth center has not been chosen and the committee is open for suggestions.
“If someone wants to make a sizeable donation toward the project, that donor can name the center,” Kjellin said.
A core group of volunteers has been meeting to determine the best location.
“Acquiring a building is our first primary goal,” Kjellin said. “Once we have a building, it should be easier to get the program going.”
The group has narrowed down the possibilities to two with the only hold-up being money.
Kjellin said MAC has agreed to accept donations as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization which means donations are tax deductible.
In an effort to begin seed money for a building, the committee will sell food at Marion’s Art in the Park & Crafts Show. Krispy Kreme donuts, pulled pork sandwiches, and sloppy joes will entice customers to purchase food items and support the cause.
For more information, contact Kjellin at ajkjellin@gmail.com or call the City of Marion office at (620) 382-3703 and leave a message.