HARRISVILLE — The Chosen Ranch recently constructed a community center as an after-school facility for kids who have no alternatives, to accommodate for the absense of adult supervision by having a safe area to make friends and enjoy a home away from home.

The ranch gets custody from the courts to give permanent housing to kids who come from abusive backgrounds. The community center’s focus is to reach kids before they are introduced to hazardous lifestyles.

“It’s a 60 acre ranch five miles north of Harrisville,” Executive Director Frank Dimecurio said. “Just recently, in the last couple of months we opened up our community center in Lincoln. We are putting in a reward center, after-school program for kids, a computer program, music program and a woodworking shop.”

Sixty kids participated in a Christmas caroling for shut-ins through the program, one of many perks that welcomes the directionless to become involved in out-of-school activities.

“These kids really have nothing to do, they get into trouble for having absolutely nothing to do,” Dimecurio said. “We want to have a place where they can come play games, have friends and associate with adults that care about them. They come home to empty houses where they work two to three jobs and this is a place for kids to come for a hot meal. It’s a win win all around.”

A rewards program will begin after winter break, according to Dimecurio.

The children will bring vouchers back to the community center

“We’re gonna be putting names on the website and give kids recognition,” he said. “Kids that normally don’t play sports and are not involved in activities like other kids that get recognized, we will give them that opportunity.”

The center provides a relaxed atmosphere where they can come to watch TV, get help with homework, and even popcorn machines.

“We are funded through donations, church groups and individuals we take no state money whatsoever,” he said. “It’s been a total community project. From business individuals to churches, we make it a real home for these kids too.”

The community center is located in Lincoln at 483 E. Traverse Bay Road. To volunteer, donate or for more information contact the Chosen Ranch at 335-4673 or by email, info@chosenranch.org.

Beth Gohs can be reached via email at bgohs@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693.