LEAF to the Rescue as Oneonta Teen Center Gets Reprieve

By DARLA M. YOUNGS
ONEONTA

In late January, it was announced that FOR-DO (Friends of Recovery Dedicated to Others) would no longer be funding the Oneonta Teen Center, which provides free programming for youths ages 12-18. This week, LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions Executive Director Tessa Davidson confirmed that her organization will assume administration of the Teen Center moving forward.

“Right now, we are in a transition until the end of April 2025,” Davidson said. “We are ‘co-parenting’ the Oneonta Teen Center with FOR-DO until county funding is approved. LEAF and FOR-DO are working closely to provide a smooth transition with limited service disruption.”

“In addition to county funding, we will look for other opportunities to support the Teen Center through LEAF’s leadership,” she added.

When asked in January about the possible closing of the Teen Center, FOR-DO Executive Director Debra H. Berrios said, “FOR-DO is realigning its efforts to abide by the mission of the organization, which is recovery-related services and evidence-based practices. It was a difficult decision to make.”

According to the FOR-DO website, “since 2006 the Oneonta Teen Center has been providing the youth of the greater Oneonta area with a space to have fun, enjoy creative youth-driven events, find mentorship and support, in a safe space where they can feel accepted, included and valued…The OTC promotes responsible, healthy, and substance-free lifestyles through programming that urges good decisions, mental support, and rewarding alternatives to using drugs or alcohol.

“We strive to not only provide a youth hang-out, but to create a community of youth who support each other and help drive the direction of our programming and take ownership and pride in the center itself,” the website continues.

LEAF, founded in 1982 by Otsego County residents, believes that alcoholism and other substance addictions are treatable diseases.

“We value education and awareness around these sensitive situations, as well as respect for individuals battling these diseases,” the website reads. “We want the tools to fight addiction to be accessible and approachable for people of all backgrounds. LEAF values safety and quality of life. Addictions harm both the individual and those around them. We support treatment, recovery, and ongoing support for each person’s journey.”

Davidson emphasized that LEAF is dedicated to providing prevention education and healthy alternatives to the area’s youth.

“The Teen Center and LEAF have shared goals and will continue to work with our area teens to ensure a healthy tomorrow,” she said.