InterAgency Council of Glen Cove held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 9 at Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club. The primary mission of IAC is to enhance the delivery of human services through collaboration and communication, and to provide mutual support among community agencies through sharing and networking.

Dr. Sharon Harris thanked Louis M. Sanford, executive director of Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club for hosting the event and invited him to give an overview of the Club. According to Mr. Sanford, the Club has a long and progressive history in the community dating back to 1903. In 1925 the Pratt family built Lincoln House, with a gymnasium and auditorium that served the needs of the community at that time.

Urban renewal played a role in the present structure and he indicated that serving youth demands flexibility as through the decades the needs of youth change therefore programs and services must respond. During the 70s there was a call for leisure time activities. The increase in High School drop-outs required attention. The 80s and 90s saw a need to introduce programs to deal with teen pregnancies and the progressive “Smart Moves” program featuring prevention tools to deal with making healthy choices during this challenging time for young adults was introduced. A GED program is offered in collaboration E.A.C. and the 21st century brought even more demands for youth services and the Boys & Girls Club responded once again.

Today, Power Hour, a homework help program assists youth of all ages with the core educational tools to improve grades and to look upon learning in a positive manner. Students from Friends Academy volunteer in the program as mentors and tutors. Teens looking for a place to “hang out” can do so thanks to several new programs for teenagers that have been added including: Teens Only on Saturdays from 5 to 10 p.m. for 14 to 18 year-olds. Dances in collaboration with other Boys & Girls Clubs in the area are planned. Also on a Saturday, an adult computer class is offered.

According to Mr. Sanford, future plans are already seeing results through the on-going Capital Campaign. Phase 1 was completed over the summer and included renovations of the Computer Lab and the Learning Center. Presently, in phase 2, the heating and ventilation utilities are being replaced and the 3rd phase will develop an outdoor recreational area, Teen Center and a Family Support facility.

InterAgency Council of Glen Cove was established in 1971 to improve the delivery of human services through cooperation, communication and coordination of community agencies. The original concept for IAC was developed under the auspices of the Community Hospital of Glen Cove as part of a University based community service project. Twenty of the original agencies continue active participation. Monthly meetings are held every second Wednesday of the month September through June at member agency settings. Please check IAC’s website for locations and dates of future meetings as well as agency events, services, locations, and contact personnel.www.iacglencove.org.

NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2005 AT GLEN COVE PUBLIC LIBRARY AT 9 A.M.

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