Beat The Street Community Center

About Beat The Street Community Center

Beat The Street Community Center is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization situated in Meriden, Connecticut. This center is dedicated to empowering inner-city youth and young adults by providing them with opportunities to develop strength, enhance endurance, gain valuable education, and foster self-esteem. Beat The Street Community Center offers a diverse range of programs designed to steer young individuals away from negative influences and towards a brighter future.

Location and Accessibility

Located at 121 S Colony St in Meriden, Connecticut, Beat The Street Community Center serves as a vital resource for the local community. The center's convenient location allows easy access for residents seeking positive activities and skill-building opportunities. It is important to note that accessing the center requires navigating a flight of stairs, which may pose a challenge for individuals with mobility issues. Despite this limitation, the center strives to be inclusive and welcoming to all who can access the facility.

Programs and Classes

Beat The Street Community Center offers a comprehensive array of programs catering to various interests and age groups. These programs are designed to promote physical fitness, skill development, and personal growth.

Advance Fitness Program: Tailored for members aged 7-13, this program focuses on enhancing endurance, strength, speed, and agility. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. The program incorporates interval training, speed training, and performance measurements to track progress and motivate participants.

Boxing Fitness Program: This program provides fundamental boxing training and fitness activities suitable for all ages. The activities include exercise, running, and weight training, with a strong emphasis on Olympic-style boxing techniques. Importantly, all boxing activities are non-contact, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for participants of all levels. For skilled members who wish to pursue contact Olympic-style boxing, the center offers the opportunity to advance to the Silver City Boxing Club. This requires obtaining the necessary licensing and insurance through USA Boxing, allowing team members to participate in competitions throughout New England.

Dance Program: This program is available for children and teens aged 7-21. Led by Adrianna, a Meriden native with over a decade of dance experience, the program introduces participants to various dance styles, including hip-hop, drill, and Reggaeton. Adrianna brings a unique blend of dance instruction, musical skills, and mentoring expertise, creating a dynamic and enriching experience for her students.

Career Explorer Program: This program is designed to broaden the horizons of its members by introducing them to a wide range of career options. Through educational field trips to local businesses, participants gain firsthand exposure to various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, military, government, research, healthcare, emergency services, education, engineering, media relations, public utilities, trade unions, and financial services. This program aims to inspire young individuals to explore their interests and make informed decisions about their future careers.

Live Sound Audio Engineering Program: This program offers teenagers and young adults the opportunity to learn the intricacies of live sound engineering. Participants receive training in all aspects of live sound production and gain practical experience by assisting at community events, talent showcases, dance performances, and live music ensembles. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, providing a structured learning environment.

Community Garden: The Community Garden program involves staff and teen members in all aspects of gardening, from planting and maintaining to harvesting produce. The harvested produce is then distributed to members and their families, promoting healthy eating habits and food security. This program also teaches valuable lessons about nutritional value, food preparation, planning, teamwork, and responsibility.

Career Development Program: This program is designed to support members aged 14 and older in setting educational and career goals. The program covers a wide range of topics, including career choices, college preparation, vocational training, financial aid, and overcoming educational obstacles. Through mentoring, seminars, job tracking, and field trips, participants receive the guidance and support they need to achieve their aspirations.

Coaches and Staff

The success of Beat The Street Community Center relies heavily on the dedication and expertise of its coaches and staff. Leroy Derricott, for example, instructs the Advance Fitness program, bringing his knowledge and passion for fitness to young members. Adrianna leads the Dance Program, sharing her extensive dance experience and mentoring skills with children and teens. The center's staff is committed to providing a positive and supportive environment for all participants.

Atmosphere and Community

Beat The Street Community Center fosters a strong sense of community among its members. The center provides a safe and welcoming space where young people can connect with their peers, develop positive relationships, and build self-confidence. The center's programs and activities are designed to promote teamwork, cooperation, and mutual respect. The positive atmosphere and community spirit contribute to the overall well-being and success of the center's members.

The center is described by members of the community as a positive and friendly place that offers many different activities. It is regarded as a community center for both kids and adults. Beat the Street strives to keep kids off the streets by offering boxing, singing and dancing programs. Computers are also available for use.

Operating Hours

Beat The Street Community Center is open Monday through Friday from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The center is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

A Connecticut Public Charity

Beat The Street Community Center is proud to be a registered Connecticut Public Charity, demonstrating its commitment to serving the community and promoting positive change.

Conclusion

Beat The Street Community Center is a valuable asset to the Meriden, Connecticut community, providing inner-city youth and young adults with opportunities to develop their skills, build their confidence, and achieve their full potential. Through its diverse range of programs and dedicated staff, the center helps to steer young people away from negative influences and towards a brighter future. Beat The Street Community Center is more than just a gym; it is a place where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.