We are thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new initiative: the Commons Youth Corps!
This exciting program brings together a dynamic group of young people in grades 8-12 who are passionate about bringing people together and building community among each other and in our city.
How the Youth Corps Began
Belinda Quaye and I have been working for some time to build our program for kids who have aged out of our “one-room classroom” church school. We have had occasional outings with our teens but haven’t been able to establish a regular class or group meeting.
But many of our teens have connected with Camp WA WA Segowea, a summer camp in Western Massachusetts that is directed by Westminster member Lily Mercogliano Easton and her husband, David Easton. Young adults and teens who serve as counselors at Camp WA WA helped out at some of our most successful Commons events in 2023 and 2024.
So last summer, Lily and I had a brainstorm: what if Westminster Commons and Camp Wawa could partner on a youth program that would extend community building and leadership training kids receive at camp throughout the school year?
We immediately thought of Vaughn Albert, a young adult who has been a counselor at Camp WA WA for several years, to direct the program. Vaughn has been looking for an opportunity to create a local youth leadership program. He invited his cousin, Kifenlynn (Lynn) Ifenuk, and Courtney Heritage (who teaches English at Albany High School), to assist him and worked with Lily to create a structure for the program.
When we invited teens from Westminster and Camp WA WA to join the Youth Corps, we got a tremendous response. So far, five teens from Westminster and 10 teens from Camp WA WA have joined the group.
Our Program
Early on, the Youth Corps participants worked together to write a vision statement:
We envision a world where young people are empowered to lead, connect, and build bridges of understanding across divides. We believe that by fostering a sense of belonging and civic engagement, we can create a stronger, more inclusive community for all.
By joining the Commons Youth Corps, you become part of a movement that is shaping the future. You will gain valuable skills, build lifelong friendships, and make a real difference in the lives of others.
The group has been meeting on the first three Sundays of every month from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. They gather in our Fellowship Hall for group games and discussions and then share dinner. The first event they helped with was the FOCUS Festival of Thanks and Giving on November 24, 2024 and will help with a number of Westminster Commons events in 2025.
The Albany Impact Fund, a designated fund of the Westminster Presbyterian Church that has been unused for several years, provided seed money for the Youth Corps. The donor of this fund was thrilled to learn about the Youth Corps and excited to see the impact they will have on Albany in the coming year.
How can you get involved?
- Show your interest and support. Offer encouragement to the youth of Westminster. Ask them about the Youth Corps, what they are learning, and the work they are doing in the community.
- Make dinner for the group. Eating together is an important part of building community. Volunteers provide food for the group of 15 hungry teens each week. We welcome your contribution to all or some of the meals—email Lily Easton at [email protected].
- Attend Westminster Commons events. Experience the positive energy and contributions of our Youth Corps firsthand.
We believe the Commons Youth Corps will be a powerful force for good in our church and community. Join us in supporting these amazing young people as they embark on this exciting journey!
