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Students at Sayonara Center Thriving

Oct 08, 2021 12:00AM ● By By Julie Habeeb and Elise Spleiss

Back to school registration at the Sayonara Center. Photo provided by Julie Habeeb/Sayonara Center

Students at Sayonara Center Thriving [2 Images] Click Any Image To Expand

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – The Sayonara Youth Center, which has been open and serving the Sayonara community since 2006, is alive and well. According to center director Julie Habeeb, “We had a very busy summer with our students which began with an end of the school year party in our parking lot with water inflatables.

Our summer was busy, including two weeks of swim lessons, Summer Blast (day camp) at Life Community Church, day trips with our middle school students, a four-day three-night camp in Santa Cruz with the high school students, Lake Day with Citrus Heights police, day trip to Tahoe and the ocean, park days and more!

We have been able to be back inside with our students since August 16. The week before school started was our center registration where every student received a new backpack and school supplies.”

Three of the Centers’ students have moved on, having graduated in June. They will be attending Sacramento State, UC Davis, and San Jose State. All three grew up attending the Sayonara Center. To celebrate them the Center offered free graduation and family photos in June. 

The Center is open Monday through Friday for three hours after school. An average of 45 students arrive daily and receive a meal, help with their homework, can work on crafts and paint, bake treats in the kitchen, play games inside or at the park with their peers and adult volunteers.

Success at the center through the pandemic and beyond is thanks to a community collaboration. Campus Life Connection oversees work at the center. Officers and staff of The Citrus Heights Police Department, Police Activities League (PAL), local churches, other service organizations and community members are continuing to come together to serve the youth of this community.

Center Director Julie Habeeb began volunteering with her church while in high school in 2008. After a three-year absence she returned and was hired as staff in 2012.

Here is a list of needs for the Center: Basketballs, Nerf football, Hula hoops, Bubbles, Board games , Play dough, Supplies for painting (paint & canvases) 

For more information or to volunteer call 916-390-1117

Facebook site is City Life Sayonara Center