Ontario Cares (The Partnership for Ontario County) has purchased a new home for EPIC Zone, the youth drop-in center serving teens ages 12–17 in the Geneva area. The facility, located at 81 North Street, marks a significant step in expanding services and opportunities for local youth and families.
EPIC Zone, which opened in 2016, has provided a safe and welcoming place for more than 700 young people, offering activities, meals, homework help, field trips, and skill-building programs.
“This new space represents the heart of what Ontario Cares stands for, which creates opportunities for connection, growth, and belonging,” said Gwen Van Laeken, executive director of Ontario Cares.
With the building purchase, Ontario Cares is partnering with the Geneva-based FLX Unity Center, a nonprofit focused on community connection and empowerment. It was co-founded by Geneva natives Brianna Johnson-Whitfield and Allauna Overstreet-Gibson.
“The new facility will be an innovative community hub that provides a much-needed safe space for teens and young adults to vibe and grow intellectually and emotionally,” said Overstreet-Gibson, who also serves as program coordinator at EPIC Zone.
Ontario Cares plans to launch a fundraising effort to renovate the building and enhance the space for youth programs and broader community use.
To celebrate the next chapter, Ontario Cares will host an Open House on Monday, Dec. 2, from 4–7 p.m. at the new EPIC Zone location. Community members are invited to tour the building, meet staff, and learn about upcoming programs and partnerships. The date also coincides with Giving Tuesday, offering an opportunity for visitors to learn how to support EPIC Zone’s mission.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
