Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany Youth and Teen Center closing Dec. 23

MCLB-ALBANY — Budget cuts are forcing the youth and teen center at Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany to close later this month, with the services once within that facility moving to other locations on and off the base, officials with MCLB-Albany said.

The base’s newspaper, “The Emblem,” on Thursday published the contents of a letter signed by Col. Don Davis, commanding officer of the base, informing Marine Corps parents of the closing.

“Due to Headquarters Marine Corps’ elimination of funding for youth and teen programs Marine Corps-wide, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany’s Youth and Teen Center will be closed indefinitely beginning Dec. 23,” the letter from Davis said.

Capt. Justin Jacobs, deputy public affairs officer at MCLB, said that youth and teen services would still be available to families attached to the base, but in different locations after the building shuts its doors.

“The facility itself (is closing), but (services) are being dispersed to other buildings we have,” Jacobs said.

For the demographics the installation serves, youth ages 10-12 are being directed to the school age program within the MCLB Child Development Center. Families of those children are being directed to Katie Roberts regarding registration at (229) 639-7930.

For teens ages 13-18, teen classes and activities will be scheduled periodically throughout the year, funding permitted, off base through the Boys and Girls Club of Albany, Girls Inc. of Albany and the YMCA Afterschool Care. The Boys and Girls Club is reachable at (229) 439-0196 and Girls Inc. can be contacted at (229) 435-1897.

The YMCA program, which serves up to eighth grade, is reachable at (229) 436-0531. Those with further questions about the closure are being directed to Michelle Ramos, youth and teen director at MCLB, at (229) 639-8470.