TheBurg News - Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1493608
18 | THEBURGNEWS.COM | 03.23 "We're in the prevention business." So says Saundra Colello, executive director of Medard's House, a New Cumberland youth center that focuses on giving youth productive, supervised things to do during the after-school hours—as opposed to "getting into stuff." Kylee ompson, Cedar Cliff High School senior, is one of those young people. "I just really love the people," said ompson, of the reason she goes to Medard's House. She also loves Mexican Wednesday, when chef Andre Young fixes one of his delicious recipes of enchiladas, tacos or quesadillas. A meal is provided each Monday through ursday when the center is open. Mealtime is part of the programming at Medard's, which concentrates on life skills. "We provide a place for the kids to come that is not only a safe place, but it's a place where they can learn life skills and learn about who God is in their life," said Bruce Chambers, program director. ese life skills are on full display in the kitchen. LIFE LIFT Medard 's House offers young people a place to go, to grow. BY SUSAN RYDER A young woman carries a tray of garlic bread through the kitchen to the broiler, proclaiming, "Watch out!" en Young gives her instructions on setting the broiler. "You keep your eye on it," or it will burn, Young explains. Some youth are washing dishes from the lasagna and chicken broccoli Alfredo that are already in the oven. ese teens also need to clean up after themselves. After dinner, it's all hands on deck. "It's the best job I've ever had," Young said. With Young's help, youth are also growing food. is spring, it'll be herbs, which they'll then incorporate into a dish for a cook-off. In the summer, they'll participate in the "Garden-to-Table Program" and grow their own food in a garden on the campus. Food is just one aspect of the life-skills fun. Participants have learned to change a tire, change the car oil, and do light electrical work. "ey jump right in," Chambers said. "I think they enjoy the change…because it's not the same old routine." Kylee ompson