NORWICH — Free classes are being offered in Norwich to help young people build confidence, develop problem-solving skills and form successful relationships.

The Place will be holding a free 10-week WhyTry resiliency-building program for Chenango County youth ages seven to 17.

The classes will be from 5 to 7 p.m., every Tuesday, starting November 17 through January 19, located at 22 East Main Street in Norwich.

The series is designed to provide youth with tools and support to overcome challenges and offer opportunities for growth.

Dinner will be provided and registration is required. To register, call The place at 607-336-9696.

“WhyTry helps young people build practical skills to navigate challenges, manage emotions, make thoughtful decisions, and develop healthy relationships,” said Executive Director Sharon Vesely.

“We want them to recognize their strengths and see possibilities for their future, even when their current circumstances are difficult,” Vesely said.

Classes include hands-on activities, group discussions, and small peer group interactions, giving youth opportunities to practice skills and learn from one another, Vesely noted. Dinner is always provided for enrolled youth, creating time to share a meal and connect.

“At The Place, we want every young person to know they matter, that they are heard, valued, and supported,” she said.

Vesely believes one of the most significant obstacles for youth is facing challenges without knowing how to ask for help or who to turn to.

“Young people may fear being judged, struggle to explain what they need, or believe they should handle everything themselves. That can make peer pressure, family stress, and difficulties at school feel even more overwhelming,” Vesely explained.

She said through WhyTry, young people learn to recognize when they need support and practice asking for help. They learn to identify trusted people they can turn to.

“We want them to understand that asking for help is a strength and that they don’t have to face difficult situations alone,” Vesely said.

“The outcomes we work toward include greater confidence, stronger coping and problem-solving skills, healthier relationships, and a greater willingness to seek support. Our goal is for young people to leave with tools they can use in everyday life and a stronger belief in their own potential,” Vesely added.

Since 2019, The Place has facilitated WhyTry and each year averages about 35 youth completing the program.

The Place is also known as the Christian Neighborhood Center of Norwich and offers additional programs that include Destructive Adolescent Behavior parenting classes, Drop-ins, WhyTry, Social Care Navigation, Family Connections, and kids’ before- and after-school programming.

The Place has operated in Chenango County for more than 40 years, serving an average of 1,100 youth per year across a footprint that stretches from Earlville to Bainbridge.

Its origins trace back to the early 1980s, when Reverend Scott Kavanaugh of the First Baptist Church began welcoming teenagers who gathered on the courthouse steps into his church.

The First Baptist Church, United Church of Christ, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and Broad Street Methodist Church later combined resources to purchase the building the organization occupies today.

For more information, visit their Facebook page or website at theplacenorwich.com