The Second Street Youth Center Foundation, Inc. (SSYC) is a multipurpose non-profit organization seeking to bring about better community relations by providing educational, vocational, cultural and recreational activities for youth and adults in this community. Through these activities the Foundation strives to provide opportunities for self expression, the building of self-worth and an overall environment that fosters creative learning and enables people to reach their full potential.
SSYC has become a recognized viable community service agency in the City of Plainfield. Each year multitudes of residents pass through this Agency as recipients of many types of services.
It all began in the summer of 1967 when the building, owned by Rona Plastics, was loaned at no cost to the Plainfield Recreation Department for a summer Recreational Experimental Project. It soon became the place where most of the West End youth could be found. The summer program was so successful that some of the employees of Rona Plastics formed a committee to work towards keeping the center open on a year-round basis.
In January 1968, the Center severed its ties to the Recreation Department and the Second Street Youth Center Foundation, Inc. was born. Subsequently Rona Plastics donated the building to the City of Plainfield. The City later rented the building to the Agency for $1.00 per year.
Currently the Agency sponsors a Preschool Program, After School Program, and a Summer Camp Program.