Lee Barta Community Center
In order to build a strong presence for the HLC in the target community and to develop additional space for community programming, the United Way has partnered with the City of Binghamton to lease the Lee Barta Community Center, a City-owned facility located at 108 Liberty Street on Binghamton’s North Side. Previously a police substation, the Lee Barta Community Center was opened in 2008 as a space for educational, recreational, and general community programming for both neighborhood youth and adults. After a recent expansion in 2018, the Lee Barta Community Center now offers a community room with teaching kitchen, a public computer lab, legal services clinics, a CHOW pantry, exercise room and community bike shop. For hours and programming information please call us at 607.238.1005 or stop by our office during business hours 8:30am-4:30pm.
FreshCycles
Fresh Cycles is one of the Healthy Lifestyles Coalitions signature programs and its mission is to break the “cycles” of crime, violence, and poverty in the community and start “fresh” new cycles of creativity, community collaboration, youth development, and empowerment.
1. We GIVE out bikes: because cost should never be an obstacle
2. We TEACH bike maintenance: because broken bicycles don’t go far
3. We RIDE hard: because strong legs take you farther
Earn-A-Bike
Learn how to fix bikes and take one home! Earn-A-Bike is our main program where participants sign-up for a series of five classes, which teach basic bike maintenance and repair. After they finish the classes, fix their chosen bike, and do some volunteer hours , they earn a free bike! The classes are all hands-on and we teach the Earn-a-Bike classes with a lead instructor and several assistants. Class space is limited but we are always taking sign-ups! Children under 9 years old must have a parent or guardian present for classes. Classes are seasonal, Tuesdays from 2:30 pm-4 pm.
Open-Shop
Get help fixing your bike or work us! Open-Shop is open to anyone who needs mechanical help, tools, and parts to get their bike fixed and riding! Open-shop is year-round, Thursday from 2:30 pm-4 pm.
Physical Activity
Join us for FREE physical activity classes hosted by community members, private instructors, and more. Activities include Yoga, Zumba, Dance, Strength Series, Group Fitness, Thai Chi, Walking Groups, and Sports Clinics. Our schedule and offerings are always changing so grab a workout partner and try something new!
Cornell-Cooperative Extension Cooking & Nutrition Education Classes
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) nutrition programs are designed to educate participant’s knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to improve their overall health and nutritional well-being. Through these programs you will learn to balance calories, increase fruit and vegetable intake, and improve your overall diet. CCE also offers classes and workshops in canning, preserving, and food safety. Classes are on-going.
Gardening Classes & Workshops
VINES Green Thumb Workshop Series is an educational series for community members to learn about a variety of gardening and culinary topics through hands-on workshops and related activities. Each workshop is led by experienced professionals and educators including horticulture and nutrition experts from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, Binghamton University Faculty and VINES’ experienced staff.
Events are hosted at accessible locations within the City of Binghamton and focus on affordability.
Garden plots are available in the Liberty Street Garden to community members for a fee of $20 per plot. Visit VINES here for more information.
Youth Enrichment Activities
Youth Enrichment Activities
Does your child need access to after-school activities? We partner with several organizations to offer after-school programming that will educate and keep children and teens safe. From tutoring to “Fun with Foods and Fitness,” to garden club. Space for these programs is limited and registration is required.
