GRASS VALLEY, California (August 31, 2016) The NEO Youth Center has expanded to offer free after school drop-in hours five days a week this fall.  The additional day is for young adults between the ages of 18 and 25.  “Young adults continue to need a safe place to spend their time and positive mentors in their lives even after they graduate from high school,” explains NEO Co-Founder, Lynn Skrukrud, “We mainly work with middle school and high school students, but we have seen a great need for older youth as well.  We are excited to now be able to offer something positive for that age group as they transition into adulthood.” The young adult day will be held every Monday. In addition, NEO will continue to host after school drop-in hours for junior high and high school students Tuesday through Friday.

NEO Youth Center Drop-in Hours

Monday’s – 2:00-6:30pm (Ages 18-25)

Tuesday’s – 3:30-6:30pm (Grades 6-8)

Wednesday’s – 3:30-6:30pm (Grades 9-12)

Thursday’s – 3:30-6:30pm (Grades 6-12)

Friday’s – 3:30-8:30pm (Grade 6-12)

Ages 11-25 welcome after 6:30

The NEO Youth Center strives to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices.  During the drop-in hours youth and young adults are engaged in various activities including homework help, ping pong, foosball, crafts, video games, board games, sports, and more all in a safe and supervised environment.  In addition, the center hosts workshops including yoga, dance and video game design as well as weekend events, such as concerts, dances, open mic nights, and movie nights.  Skrukrud, adds, “On the surface it may look like youth are just having fun, but in reality all of our activities are designed to empower and inspire youth to make positive choices.  Our staff and volunteers serve as mentors and role models for the youth, helping them to navigate their teen years.”

In just over one year the NEO Youth Center gained nearly 300 members.  NEO sees an average of 20 youth per day at their center, but on some days as many as 45 young people are attending.  They expect their numbers to continue to grow this coming year as the word about their facility continues to spread.

NEO is a 501(c)3 organization that was founded in 2008.  The NEO Youth Center opened in March of 2015. NEO strives to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices by providing New Events and Opportunities in a safe environment that encourages youth success and contributes to a healthier community. To learn more visit www.ncneo.org or call 530-470-3869. The NEO Youth Center is located at 139 Joerschke Drive in Grass Valley, next to Bitney College Prep High School and Smiley Guys Smokehouse.