The Northwestern Community Youth Center: A Soft Place to Land
April 10, 2025
The heart and soul behind the Northwestern Youth Community Center.
Albion’s Northwestern Community Youth Center (NCYC) is the heartbeat of hope in the small hometown in Albion, PA. For many young people, the center is a safe haven with a welcoming environment for after-school activities, mentorship, and support.
Celebrating 20 years of service, NCYC has undergone significant renovations to enhance its offerings. Thanks to a recent $14,650 Helping Today grant from The Erie Community Foundation, plus $6,000 from Erie Gives, the center updated computers and workstations for the kids.
The facility, which no longer has a mortgage thanks to a donor, now includes a new commercial kitchen, a veteran’s wall honoring those who have served, designated music lesson space, an archery area, and expanded community engagement programming for adults. These additions allow the center to broaden its reach, serving not just students but also the wider Albion community.
NCYC operates weekdays after school until 5:30 PM, with additional events held on weekends and throughout the summer. The center’s primary mission is to provide a nurturing and structured environment for students, many of whom face challenges such as poverty and ADHD. More than just a place to spend time, NCYC fosters personal growth through creative, intellectual, and physical activities.
NCYC’s success with the students is based on a creative point system, designed to encourage positive behavior and academic achievement. Students earn points for good behavior, completing chores like cleaning and shoveling snow, and for academic excellence—receiving 50 points for an A and 25 points for a B. These points can be redeemed for rewards, such as attending camp at Judson or WLD Ranch, participating in Winter Blast, or enjoying outings to Otters games and the movies. This system provides continuous motivation and reinforcement, helping students build confidence.
Conversely, students can lose points for negative behavior, such as swearing or fighting, with consequences including time-outs or temporary suspension from the center. Despite the structure, NCYC remains a “soft place to fall”—a sanctuary where young people can feel valued and supported, even if they are struggling.
While youth remain the heart of NCYC’s mission, the center also serves the broader community. The building is available for rental for events like birthday parties and showers, and young adults gather on Thursdays for Bible study. Future plans include offering adult computer classes, further solidifying NCYC as a vital resource for Albion residents of all ages.
Founded in 2005 in response to concerns about youth safety and well-being, particularly after the Columbine tragedy, NCYC has become a cornerstone of the community. With 600 students in the Northwestern School District, the center provides mentorship, homework assistance, and a welcoming environment where children and teens can grow, learn, and thrive.
“The kids are always first in our hearts,” said Missy Niedzielski, Executive Director at NCYC. “Then we serve the whole community.”
With continued community support and investment, NCYC remains committed to strengthening Albion’s neighborhoods, empowering youth, and fostering a sense of belonging for all. As the center marks its 20th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives that change lives and build brighter futures.
ECF Staff Member Kailey testing out the center's new archery equipment.