Hope Restored: Ramsgate's Last Youth Center Secures Its Future
In a significant victory for the community, Pie Factory Music, one of Ramsgate's key youth support centers, has successfully prevented its closure, ensuring it continues to serve the region's young people. This uplifting turn of events has filled the coastal town, known for its economic challenges, with renewed hope and optimism.
A Community United
For 13 years, Pie Factory Music has been a refuge for youth aged 8 to 25, offering a plethora of services including counseling, employment advice, life-skills training, and creative projects. With the threat of the community center's closure looming due to the town council's plans to auction the land, local organizations united in a campaign to raise awareness about the center's impact on Ramsgate.
A Fund for Change
Key to their success was securing a grant from the “Pride in Place” strategy, which aims to invest in deprived communities across the country. With this funding, exceeding $500,000, Pie Factory Music has acquired the freehold title to its land, ensuring that it can continue its invaluable services for years to come. Brian Horton, the interim chair of the Ramsgate Neighborhood Board, expressed the commitment to providing safe environments for youth to flourish.
Voices of Gratitude
The center's chief executive, Zoë Carassik, shared her relief and gratitude for the support received. “Knowing our future in the building is secure fills us with hope and relief,” she stated, highlighting the profound impact this center has on the community. From cooking classes led by refugee families to engaging soccer matches, Pie Factory Music is a hub of activity where music and creativity bring young people together.
This achievement not only symbolizes the resilience of Ramsgate but also underscores the importance of community collaboration in safeguarding local resources that uplift and empower the next generation. As Ramsgate celebrates this victory, it serves as a reminder that even in the face of challenges, hope and determination can lead to meaningful change.
