Saco Bay Sunset Rotary Club renovating teen center at Sweetser

SACO — Every teen needs a place to hang out, and the Rotary Club of Saco Bay Sunset is creating a recreation area for students at Sweetser’s residential school.

Sweetser is a nonprofit community mental health provider, and its Eslie J. Parquette School on Moody Street is a residential program that supports students struggling with social, emotional, and academic challenges, and help them gain the skills they need to succeed in a public school setting.

Saco Bay Sunset Rotary Club has taken on a renovation project in a section of one of the school’s buildings to create a teen center. The project was spurred by Sharri MacDonald and community group OOB365, and OOB365 continues to play an active role in the project. Through donations, in-kind services and countless volunteer hours, the rooms are going under a transformation. 

When completed, there will be a movie room with dark walls to emulate a theater experience, a karaoke stage with lights that flash to the music, a full kitchen, crafting and reading areas, a gaming zone with multiple screens, foose tables and a pool table.

On a recent Friday, Sean McCarthy of McCarthy Electric was volunteering his time on the project, overseeing electric work with local high school students.

Alex Gaffam, a senior at Massabesic High School, said he enjoyed the opportunity to do some electrical work and help with a community service project.

Saco Bay Say Sunset Rotarian Leo Menard said much of the work should soon be wrapped up. He and other Rotarians are eager to get the teen center ready for use so the residential students can enjoy it.

“We are so grateful to have deeply caring individuals and community groups coming together to support our next generation,” says Rebekah Strasburger, Senior Director of Development & Community Relations at Sweetser. “This new Teen Center will be a welcomed addition to our Saco campus and help increase enrichment activities for our residential students.”

Items Still Needed                         

The project is coming together, but there are still some items that are needed. Menard is looking for a professional floor cleaner who could lend their time. The recreation area could use some gently-used couches or love seats, bean bag chairs, kitchen utensils, and books, DVDs and CDs suitable for teenagers. 

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.