The Parkesburg POINT youth center, 700 Main St., Parkesburg, reopened for in-person programming on Jan. 4.

The POINT is currently open on Mondays through Thursdays from 3 to 6:30 p.m. On Mondays and Wednesdays the facility is open to students in grades seven to 12. Tuesdays and Thursdays are for students in grades three through six. While it is not necessary for students to preregister before they visit, their parents will be asked to complete a registration form for them at the front desk. Youths may also register though The POINT app, which is free for downloading.

Youths who visit The POINT can enjoy dinner, homework help, Bible study and recreational activities.

"The POINT provides a safe haven for students to have social interaction and activity after a really tough year of not having either of those things," said Debbie Shupp, development director. "We provide activity, the arts, interactive games, Bible studies and a chance to rebuild relationships with peers and communicate with caring adults."

The POINT works in partnership with local churches to provide a healthy meal for students at 6 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. While The POINT was shut down last year, a food distribution program was implemented to provide students and their families with food.

"We provide a fresh, homemade meal each evening. Dinner is prepared on-site, and the volunteers are responsible for planning the menu, cooking and serving," Shupp explained. "As (executive director) Dwayne (Walton) puts it, the meal is the same meal you would serve your family, so it does include a protein, vegetable, starch and some sort of dessert."

Since COVID-19, The POINT has adapted its programs and activities to help ensure the safety of staff members, volunteers and students. For example, The POINT added 10 part-time interns so that volunteers could work with students in smaller groups with social distancing in place.

In addition, The POINT has been able to increase counseling services for students and continue to provide crisis support to families in need with food, utility and rental assistance and more.

"We are very grateful to those who have supported us through the pandemic, including over 25 churches who serve a nutritious meal each evening, and the other volunteers to help work with the kids," Shupp added. "We do adhere to all of the COVID-19 and CDC protocols in order to keep our students and volunteers safe and our doors open."

Now in its 18th year, The Parkesburg POINT is a faith-based community center that serves youths ages 8 to 18 in the Octorara and Coatesville Area school districts. The motto of the center is "Every Child Deserves Hope." For more information, readers may visit http://www.facebook.com/parkesburg.point or http://www.parkesburgpoint.com or call 610-857-3393.