PUNXSUTAWNEY — In early February, youth with the Jefferson County Independent Drop-In Center learned about basic car maintenance during the Seneca Serves Car Care Demo at Gerry Raymond Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Brookville.
Holly Caldwell, independent living coordinator with Pentz Run Youth Services, said this was a great partnership between local agencies, as well as a great experience for the youth. Experts taught them basic car maintenance, such as changing a tire, checking oil and filters, etc.
“It’s just nice to see these resources come together to help us teach the kids a life skill,” she said.
Seneca Resources Company, LLC is the “exploration and production segment of National Fuel Gas Company,” according to a news release. “Seneca Serves” is Seneca Resources’ employee volunteer program that aims to “empower employees to be catalysts of positive change by using their skills, passion and resources to support and strengthen the health and well-being of our communities.”
The youth also received a take-home bag that day with items like a tire-pressure gauge and other car maintenance tools.
Deb Morris, office assistant and volunteer coordinator for Seneca Resources’ Brookville office, said, “We are committed to making a positive impact on the communities where we live and work through active volunteering and charitable contributions.”
Seneca also credited Gerry Raymond Dodge service manager Jason Little and service technician Mike Pistner for giving their time and use of the facility for this project.
“Teaching young people car maintenance is more than just changing tires; it is about instilling confidence and independence,” said Ken Rossey, district foreman, communications at Seneca Resources. “By equipping young minds with these fundamentals, we’re not just changing oil –we are fueling their futures.”
About the Drop-In Center
Located at 109 N. Findley St., Pentz Run Youth Services opened the Drop-In Center in Punxsutawney for its Independent Living Program in July of 2023. This was due to high demand for services in and around the Punxsutawney area.
Pentz Run Youth Services, headquartered in DuBois, is a residential program for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. The goal is to provide a “safe, secure, nurturing environment for male and female youth that require short or long-term alternatives to family living,” the website states. Its services include the Independent Living Program, which helps young people successfully transition into adulthood.
Caldwell said the center works with youth from the age of 14 up to either 21 of 23 years old, depending on their situation, providing them with independent living skills and guidance –cooking, cleaning, budgeting, buying a car, etc. Whatever stage of life they are in, said Caldwell, the goal is to help make them productive adults.
The center provides computers for the youth to use, as well as a living room and kitchen area and hands-on activities like arts and crafts.
Now that the center is becoming more established, Caldwell said they will be participating in more hands-on work with the youth. She noted a cooking/nutrition program that Penn State Extension will be hosting soon at one of their DuBois locations.
The drop-in center will host a St. Patrick’s Day dance and karaoke event for its independent living youth on Thursday, March 14 from 6-8 p.m.
In the summer, the center will be open every day for clients to utilize, Caldwell said. It’s important to give these youth a place that is “theirs,” for socialization, safety, education and more.
link