Jacob's Well Youth Center has been overflowing with young people since its doors opened four years ago. It averages from seven to 17 youth a day when it is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Director Ruby Bryant said. The center is for those ages 12 to 18.
"I think it's had a positive impact," Bryant said. "I see the kids come in here and they make themselves at home."
Bryant said more volunteers are desperately needed. The doors could stay open seven days a week if more people came forward. There are currently around a dozen volunteers.
The center offers a safe place for young people to hang out, do homework and have fun. It has pool tables, air hockey, ping pong, Internet, a printer, lots of video games, televisions, board games and movies.
It just obtained a large-screen theater unit that the kids can use for video games and movies. It came with a clear play unit that edits out adult language and content in rated R movies. Bryant is planning to hold movie nights, she said.
The center does Bingo nights on occasion and Bryant is hoping to have Xbox competitions and Wii tournaments.
There is a free meal program where kids can have noodles, macaroni and cheese and juice.
The center is funded with donations from local residents and churches as well as Maverik, Wells Fargo, Barrick, Newmont and Marigold.
"The community support has been awesome," Bryant said.
The organization also holds fundraisers. Volunteers regularly hold quilt raffles and sold roses for Valentine's Day.
"We try to keep it where when the kids come in they don't have to pay for anything," Bryant said. "We are not in the business for money-making. We are in it for the kids."
Jacob's Well Youth Center is a Christian faith-based nonprofit organization but those who come to the center do not have to be of any faith. It is preferred that volunteers have an attachment to a church, Bryant said.
Anyone who would like to volunteer is asked to call the center at (775) 635-8800. Volunteers need to fill out applications and undergo background checks.
Bryant was instrumental in bringing the center to Battle Mountain. It was a challenge and took around two years, she said.
"It is a big part of my life," she added. "It's been an awesome experience and I love the kids."
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