Dear editor:

As 2023 begins, I want to personally thank everyone in our community who dedicated time and support to help in  planning for a safe and welcoming space for all youth in NOTL.

2022 was a busy year.

I know everyone struggled to prioritize renewed (and catch-up) social calendars, re-introduction of extra-curricular activities, new pressures at work, while trying to balance the mental and physical strength needed to sometimes, just stay afloat. But we made it.

On top of all that, as a group, we helped prepare to launch the NOTL Youth Campus, converting it from a concept to an active, living, safe and welcoming space for all young people in town.

Since our initial meeting with our founding partner Cornerstone Church in late May so much has been accomplished.

We held our first introductory and planning meeting on Aug. 30 and our many volunteers have continued to dedicate valuable, scarce and precious time to participate in eight planning meetings, one Plan to Protect session, the Oct. 19 open house and all-candidates night, our Oct. 29 Halloween Movie Night and many of you have spent hours in between supporting the project.

We have been actively raising awareness on social media, benefiting from wonderful support from NOTL’s news media and participating in local events.

Thanks to many community partners, we have raised close to $10,000 for simply the “idea” of a youth campus in our community (through the SPACES Legacy campaign, and a large contribution from the recent NOTL Realty Santa & Elf Run).

Numerous individuals, community groups and businesses have gone above and beyond to work behind the scenes, taking on additional responsibilities and dedicating many hours to getting this concept going.

You all know who you are and I’m not sure words could ever do justice for the support you are providing.

I am excited to see where 2023 will take us. Margaret Mead put it well: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

My sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported the establishment of the NOTL Youth Campus.

Caroline Polgrabia

NOTL Youth Campus