Youth Council Paints ICARE Apartment

from the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Youth Council

(October 28, 2003) They’re hardly a professional paint crew, but members of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Youth Council are a dedicated bunch. They spent the beautiful weekend of October 25 and 26 inside, painting a one-bedroom apartment for ICARE – and loving it.

The Larchmont-Mamaroneck Youth Council, a group of sophomores, juniors and seniors from the Mamaroneck and Rye Neck School Districts, volunteered their time to help ICARE, the local Interfaith Council Affordable Residence organization. Through its annual fundraising, ICARE has been able to purchase and renovate three 2-family homes that it rents to low-income individuals. Volunteer labor helps to keep down costs of maintaining the homes.

“We’ve worked with the Youth Council before and have been impressed,” said Caroline Silverstone, chairman of ICARE. “They are willing, enthusiastic and mindful of the needs and concerns of the ICARE tenants - and eager to serve their community."

The Larchmont-Mamaroneck Youth Council was founded six years ago by members of the Local Summit, a citizens’ action group, in conjunction with the Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Department to provide a greater local “voice” for teens. The Youth Council provides community service experience and helps teens to identify issues and concerns in Larchmont and Mamaroneck.

Judy Myers, one of the founders and director of the group, notes the importance of involving teens in the community. “There are many community groups, like ICARE, that could benefit from teen volunteers but don’t know how to access them. The Youth Council helps to meet this need.” In addition, the Youth Council sponsors a variety of teen activities throughout the year, ranging from outdoor movies to volleyball tournaments.

For more information on the Youth Council, contact: Judy Myers at 833-1536 or pick up an application at the Recreation Department at the Mamaroneck Town Center. Donations to ICARE may be mailed to 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10538.