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If any member, former member, parent or individual would like to tell us how Youth & Recreation Services has affected you, please email Rick Gorman at
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Here's what a few people had to say:
Tara Hughes, ParentNorth Andover, MA
I have two children, Michael (8) and Emily (6). After school today we decided to go to Drummond Park and burn off some energy. When we arrived, there was a group of teenagers hanging out at the playground. They started up a game of ‘volleyball’ over the monkey bars. My 8-year-old son was enthralled with watching ‘the teenagers’ playing. He finally got up the nerve and asked if he could play with them. They said YES! I’ll tell you he was in seventh heaven to be playing with the big kids. I think he will be up on cloud nine the entire weekend! My daughter sat on the bench with me watching the game. A little while later, one of the girls playing came over to Emily and invited her to play too. It was one of those moments, as a parent, that brings a tear to your eye. The joy on the faces of my children as they played with these’ big’ kids was priceless! The reason I am writing to you is because I feel that teenagers get a bad reputation a majority of the time. I know when I first pulled in and saw such a large gathering I thought that it might spell trouble. Those kids that were over there today were great! I am almost positive that they are regulars at the Youth Center. This is why I felt compelled to write you and tell you what a great group of kids you have over there. I was only able to catch a few of the names. However, the three kids that stood out the most to me were Olivia, Kyle and Evan. They made my two little ones feel like they were a part of the team and essential to score the big win. I did not get last names but I am hoping you will have an idea of who these three are. Please extend my heartfelt thanks to them for making the day for two little kids! They will be talking about this afternoon for weeks to come!
Kimberly Festa Cratty, LICSW North Andover Youth Services has a positive impact on North Andover due to the vision and hard work of Rick Gorman. NAYS began as two overworked, underpaid twenty-somethings working out of a two room attic helping to "make a difference". The effect these two individuals had on students was powerful. They allowed each individual to be inspired, by simply believing in them. To witness NAYS' growth is dumbfounding; but part of me knew that Rick Gorman could accomplish anything. I began my "career" as a high school student working summers with Rick and NAYS. It was more than a job, it was an awakening. The concepts of self-awareness, respect and trust were exemplified in NAYS. From employing the "poor high school student" to facilitating groups at the middle school to offering basketball leagues, NAYS is the backbone of North Andover.
Katie Petraila, RN Boston, MA I began my journey with NAYS when I was twelve years old as I nervously entered the North Andover Middle School. When Rick Gorman came in to speak to our class about joining TEENCO, I underestimated the impact he and North Andover Youth Services would have on my life…… Having had an affiliation with NAYS for over half of my life, they have had a major impact on the person I have become. I ‘ve never been given such wonderful opportunities of volunteer service and leadership; as well as guidance, support and role models. It is no surprise when I come home to North Andover; I stop by NAYS to see my second family before my first.
John McVeigh, Head Basketball Coach/Administrator Brooks School, North Andover, MA I remember the first time I heard the name “Rick Gorman”… I was in 7th grade and a friend of mine was talking about going to a dance sponsored by something called TEENCO. I had no idea what any of it meant, but I went to the dance anyway. In the next 6 years, I learned a lot more thanks to what would eventually become NAYS. As an organization, it gave me a chance to meet and interact with all types of kids through all the activities and trips they sponsored; a chance to take part in decision-making and leadership through the Youth Council; a chance to play all the basketball I could ever hope to. NAYS brought to the town a lot more positive experiences for a lot more kids. Even more importantly, it wasn’t just geared to a certain type of kid… it was for everyone. Rick and NAYS are what I remember most about growing up as a kid in North Andover-They made it a lot of fun and a much better place to live.
Ellen Lynch, UML Class of 2009The North Andover Youth Services has been a huge part of my life since Middle School. From TEENCO Dance Committee and Middle School dances to GiveBack and Summer League games, Youth Services has always housed a welcoming community. The staff has always been personable and looking to help. I have had so much fun and learned so much.
Ed KeislingNorth Andover, MA Looking back from when you started to where you are now, it’s amazing to see the progress and the impact you’ve had on the community. Kudos to Rick Gorman and the staff for sticking to your vision and following through! I look back at the time with your Programs fondly and appreciate the time still that you spent with us and our 1 on 1’s.
Alexa LoRe, Emmanuel College Class of 2008The YC is just a great place to grow and meet new people and have some new adventures. As a staff member and a camp counselor, it is amazing to see the effects that this place has on so many kids. The YC has given me so many great opportunities and for me to tell future employees that I worked there will really help me in the long run. I honestly can’t describe how amazing this place is. Just walking inside you can feel it. It is just a great place to be.
Amanda Mortenson, Public Relations ExecutiveChicago, IllinoisTo reflect as to how Youth Services has affected my life is quite a challenge. This is because Youth Services is a key component of my life. Once I entered Middle School, I became involved with programs such as Peer Mediation and TEENCO. It was at the small office in the old, white building next to the red barn, where all of our functions were held that I learned to become the woman I am today. Through the guidance of the staff I learned how to face life’s obstacles and adversities. Once I entered High School, my connection with Youth Services grew. I was hired part-time to assist with the running of the new Youth Center and the popular Summer Fun program. I learned to be a positive role model and mentor to many of North Andover’s youth. I also became a leader to my classmates. Working at Summer Fun was my way of giving back what I learned growing up from the staff at Youth Services. Through the 9 years with the program I have had the opportunity to watch North Andover’s youth grow into wonderful young adults. I hope that my impact on their lives was as influential as Youth Services was to me.
Chris AsaroHaverhill, MASome of my most influential experiences have come from one source outside of my family, that source is located at 33 Johnson Street in North Andover’s “Olde Center” It used to be referred to as the Red Barn. I have so many memories of Youth Services. Gorman’s Workers is what we called ourselves as we washed the walls of the red barn for the hundredth time or painted the old buildings floors battleship gray, again. I learned qualities like responsibility, leadership, teamwork and most important of all Respect. I am proud to have had the privilege to be part of Youth Services.
Diane Uttley, ParentNorth Andover, MAAs a parent of three grown children, North Andover Youth services has been a part of my family’s life for many, many years. NAYS has been a place where my children have gone to seek advice and to ask for help. As Middle School and High School students, my kids knew that they could turn to Youth Services when they needed someone other than their parents or friends to talk to. Rick and his dedicated Youth Services staff are here for all of us. They are here for our community. Most importantly, they are here for our youth, providing them with the experiences and the tools they need to become confident and productive members of our wonderful community.
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Testimonials 
