About Us

PHILOSOPHY

The Center is predicated on the belief that youth

• grow toward self-reliance and healthy independence
• develop positive feelings of self-worth and inner-strength
• learn to interact with others, respecting their rights and feelings
• learn to solve problems and resolve conflicts by expressing their feelings in appropriate ways, and
• grow toward physical, emotional, social, and intellectual maturity....

in an environment which offers stimulating and structured activities, with emphasis on freedom with responsibility, and under the guidance of caring adult mentors who help youth learn to make decisions and accept consequences for their actions, as they explore and find joy in learning about the world around them.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Center strives to be a safe and supportive place for youth to connect, grow and develop to their fullest potential- physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually- by encouraging individuality, self discovery, cooperation, and respect for themselves, others and their surroundings, through supervised and developmentally appropriate activities in the after school hours.

STAFF

 Rev. Jamie Green- Director of The Center: Rev.  Green is the Youth Minister at The Congregational Church of Needham. She is a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, MA, where studies included world religions, journalism, psychology, child development and youth ministry. Her passions include art, music, drama, social justice, and spirituality. Rev. Green has previously served four Congregational Churches in Massachusetts, Illinois and Wisconsin, and has over 10 years of experience working with youth. Rev. Green can be reached at director@myyouthcenter.org

Jay Cram- Youth Worker: Jay Cram is a Youth Worker at the Center and an ordination 

candidate with the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts.  He is a graduate of the 

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and of Andover Newton

Theological School in Newton, MA.  His studies have focused on

German Language and Culture, History, with an emphasis on Europe, as well as a broad range of ministerial topics.  Jay is an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping, as well as

long distance hiking.  In 2007 Jay and his wife complete one-third of the Appalachian Trail.  Jay has worked with youth in several capacities – most recently with the Youth Group at the First Baptist Church in Newton.  Jay's son Adam will be turning two this fall.  Jay can be reached at jay@myyouthcenter.org

 


Stephanie Granger- Youth Worker at The Center: Stephanie Granger is a Youth Worker at The Center and a Master of Divinity student at Andover Newton Theological School.  She is a graduate of Defiance College in northwest Ohio, where she majored in Religious Studies.  Her interests are mission/service activities, reading, music, and working with children and youth.  She is one of three leaders for the youth group at the United Church of Clinton. Along with working at The Center she works at the ANTS Trask library. Stephanie was previously the Christian Education Director at the Village Congregational Church in Whitinsville, MA. Stephanie can be reached at stephanie@myyouthcenter.org.


Front Desk Staff and Tutors: Several Needham High Students will be working and volunteering their time at The Center by working at the Front Desk and offering tutoring. 

The Center
located at The Congregational Church of Needham
1154 Great Plain Ave
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 444-2510 ext 198
info@myyouthcenter.org
www.myyouthcenter.org