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Youth center plans expanded shuttle and facility upgrades after state and CPF grants
Summary
Council heard that the youth center holds remaining DCA funds and a $1.5 million CPF construction grant (shared with SCAP); staff say a grant‑funded van and recent building upgrades will expand programming and a summer shuttle pilot that proved popular last year.
Franklin Township’s youth center director told the council March 9 that grant funding has underpinned most programming in recent years and will continue to do so in 2026. Director Wendy White said the center expects to spend down the remainder of a Department of Community Affairs (DCA) grant and also described building improvements funded by a $1.5 million CPF grant split with Somerset Community Action Program (SCAP).
“We are still making sure that our staff are getting training… The DCA grant has also just allowed us to make sure that the students have a lot of the things that they need,” Wendy White said. She described a grant‑funded van that will expand a pilot summer shuttle that previously ferried students to the youth center and local field sites; she called the pilot “a hit.”
White said about $300,000 remains available for programming and that over the last two years the youth center drew on roughly $450,000 of grant funding to support off‑site and enhanced programming. The council and manager described ongoing building upgrades: improved IT/camera coverage, a planned generator installation, reconfiguration of a snack‑shack/kitchen area, and an electrical outdoor sign.
Manager Bob Bornlocker and council members discussed possible reapplication for state grants and tracking for future funding. The council asked for a clearer accounting of how grant dollars translate to annual programming totals; White said she will follow up with detailed figures and that the center is planning a youth resource fair in April focused on summer employment and engagement.
The discussion did not include a formal vote; managers said grant fund spending and remaining balances will be reflected in forthcoming budget documents and grant reports.
