WarriorCall

Have you ever wondered if there was a place for you to go, just to hang out? A group of volunteers has made it their mission to provide a safe, drug free environment where kids can go to have fun.

The Y.A.R.D. is run completely by volunteers in the communities in and around Hartland. It is affiliated with the Methodist Church. Anyone from the ages 13-18 may go on Friday nights from 6-9. Ms. Spurlock, one of the volunteers at The Y.A.R.D., says that the kids needed a positive environment outside of school.

The Y.A.R.D. is located in the old ambulance hall on Seekins Street. The food cupboard that used to occupy the building has moved to the old firehouse.

Some of the activities that the Y.A.R.D provides is basketball, volleyball, ping pong, D.D.R., and crafts. Dances are also held quite often. Among the volunteers are Social Workers, Nurses, E.M.T.'s.

"The kids in the area have been respectful & well behaved," said Ms. Spurlock. The Core group that started the Y.A.R.D. is in the process of applying to become an official non-profit organization. The average number of kids that attend the Y.A.R.D. every Friday ranges from 30-35 every week.

The ability to open the Y.A.R.D. for more nights in the week depends on the number of volunteers that come and help out.