Bethpage-Tribune_1989-05-05

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VOL. 22 NO. 25 May 5-11,1989 20 CENTS
There^s No Place Like Home
If, for a moment in time
In my impetuous youth—
I have stumbled by the way;
If friend and family differ with me
And my dreams and wants I cannot say.
There is somewhere a place I know
Where those who care and understand
Have built for me a place to go,
And stay for just a while,
A quiet place called Walkabout
Where folk and good will
Really care—and do not flout.
The ways of youth—the task of
grmving up.
And I am grateful for their love
For like a family they will fdl
my cup,
—Leo Schottland
This poem appears in the Walkabout House and
greets you as you enter the front door.
h Bethpage there stands a house. It is like
many neighboring homes, with its old
fashioned style and quaint architecture. Yet,
when one opens the door to this home it
tands very much apart from others resem­bling
it. For inside this house you'll find dreams,
promise, hope and shelter for homeless young men,
who for a variety of different reasons, have no where
else to turn.
WALKABOUT for young men at 218 Broadway
(one of five such programs of Children's House,
Inc.*) yesterday celebrated its fifteenth anniversary
and prides itself as being the first such shelter for
homeless youth in New York State. It is an eight
bed transitional home for homeless young men ages
17-20 preparing them for independent living.
This project of love started in 1971, when its
founder Jacob Ain and his partners decided to
purchase the house for $45,000. Through various
contributions and a mortgage of $33,000 the
transformation of this one family home into a group
shelter began. The renovations took approximately
years but walls and plaster were the easiest
obstacles to overcome, a much more difficult battle
would soon begin.
Fifteen years ago the opening of this home was
severly opposed. Residents feared that such a
residence would pose a threat to the community
as well as deteriorate the surrounding areas. Many
home owners feared too, that property values of
their home would plummage. Many objections were
raised and the Town of Oyster Bay refused to issue
zoning variance requested by WALKABOUT.
After waiting for quite some lime WALKABOUT
withdrew its variance request based on legal
opinions that the Town's approval was not
necessary for a State certified residence. The Town
did not contest the decision and so in 1974,
WALKABOUT'S door was opened. The funding
for this residence is accomplished through a number
of different organizations such as United Way of
L.I., Nassau County Youth Board, Nassau County
Department of Social Services as well private
contributions from concerned individuals and the
business community.
And what has WALKABOUT accomplished in
its fifteen years of service? Well, since 1974, 250
young men have passed through its halls, graduating
to become productive, independent members of
society. Their problems, broken homes, disappoint­ments
and weaknesses have turned into goals,
dreams and accomplishments. They are chefs,
mechanics, students, artist, etc., and they are all
making there mark in society today.
And have property values dropped? NO. And
are these residents a threat to the Bethpage
community? NO. And has the area surrounding the
shelter deteriorated? NO. fn fact the WALKA­BOUT
House has just undergone an extensive
renovation project, and after almost 4- irionths (2
of which residents had to live in trai irs behind
the house) WALKABOUT house has actually
improved the appearance of the neighL jrhood and
is a truly beautiful home.
The Tribune had the honor of speaking with a
former resident. Rich who is 29 years old and was
a resident in 1976.
"Things around here have certainly changed.
although the purpose is still very much the same,
said Rich. I can remember those days at WAL­KABOUT
and I look back on them with thanks.
I had very few alternatives at the time and believe
me made the right decision to come here."
We asked Rich what his typical day was like.
"Well, there were many rules at WALKABOUT
and residents had to be either employed or be
attending school. I was involved in a BOCES type
program where I learned auto mechanics. I received
a salary and WALKABOUT helped me save about
three quarters of my weekly pay check. We had
curfews and each resident had specific chores and
duties at the house. We were not permitted to drink
or have any type of drugs and believe me when
I say those rules were stricty enforced.."
When we asked Rich to reflect back on his days
at WALKABOUT and sum up his feelings on how
the shelter helped him Rich said, "Responsibility,
plain and simply WALKABOUT taught me values,
respect and how to live independently in society."
Presently, Rich is a successful automotive
mechanic and is doing extremely well. He in fact,
volunteers his time to council present WALKA­BOUT
residents, and believe me when 1 say, should
serve as quite an inspiration to them all.
When you walk through the WALKABOUT
house you can feel the love and warmth just by
looking at the photo collages of all those who have
passed through their halls. Or by seeing the
diplomas and certificates in the rooms of the
residents, displayed with pride. And if you speak
with any of its members such as William Pruitt,
(Continued on Page 5)