For 41 years, Yours Ours Mine Community Center has been dedicated to improving quality of life for people of all ages in Levittown, East Meadow and the Island trees School Districts.  It was originally established to address an increase in vandalism and provide youth with positive after-school activities.  For over four decades, the nonprofit has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the communities it serves.  From educating three- to five-year-olds at The James Edmondson Nursery School to providing day care services for adults with Alzheimer’s Disease, Yours Ours Mine Community Center provides a broad menu of programs for children, adults and families day to day year-round.

“Yours Ours Mine exist to serve those individuals who may be at risk in coping with familial, school, work and health-related issues to optimize day-to-day living and contribute to a more productive and meaningful community lifestyle,” says President and CEO, James A. Edmondson.  “Having provided services to the community for 41 years, thousands of individuals living in Levittown and surrounding communities have been assisted.” Edmondson adds that hundreds of full- and part-time jobs have also been created as a result of the nonprofit’s existence.

Funded by public and private sources, Yours Ours Mine is operated by a staff of 15 full-time employees, 40 part-timers and 35 volunteers.  In addition to nursery day care and universal pre-kindergarten services, the nonprofit also offers before and after-school programs for children.  Youth development programs include tutoring and enrichment services, job search assistance and leisure activities, such as sports, crafts and a teen leadership program.  Chemical dependency treatment and prevention services, offered by a team of highly qualified professionals, help adolescents, adults and families cope with addiction.

Yours Ours Mine Community Center also supports seniors over 60 in maintaining their independence and achieving optimal health and well being, along with providing numerous opportunities to socialize.  Exercise groups, health screenings, special events and recreational activities are offered daily.  Caregivers benefit from support groups as well as adult day care for frail elderly and impaired loved ones.

“What inspires me about Yours Ours Mine is it’s capability to provide programs and services for all ages at affordable costs, especially for working parents and grandparents who are in need of care and social interaction,” says Fritzi Conway, Corresponding Secretary and member of the Board of Trustees.  Conway adds that every year, the non profit serves between 5,000 and 7,000 people.
 
-Claire Curry