Second Street Youth Center (SSYC) in Plainfield celebrated its journey from tenant to owner on June 18 with a lease-burning ceremony.
The event focused on SSYC’s journey to ownership and highlighted its 60-year commitment to the Plainfield community.
Owning their own building allows SSYC to continue offering best-in-class early childhood education services at affordable rates for Plainfield families, while creating financial stability and enabling further long-term investment in the community, according to a company release.
In 2018, through a partnership with the City of Plainfield, J.G. Petrucci, TD Partners, New Jersey Capital, and M&T Bank, SSYC opened its facility on Second Street.
The ambitious project was made possible through the New Markets Tax Credit Program, and M&T made its first investment in this kind of project in its 168-year history.
SSYC serves 210 children through preschool programs in partnership with Plainfield Public Schools. It also offers after-school services, food for children and families, a summer STEAM enrichment program, and summer field trips.
SSYC’s Navigator Program links families to social services and removes barriers to accessing social services related to physical and mental health needs.
The facility includes dedicated space for therapeutic intervention services that support emotional well-being, as well as educational services.
