Introducing the
PvilleYI GEm Center
Pleasantville Youth Initiative Generational Enrichment Ministry Center
Affectionately known as “The Gem”
The Pleasantville Youth Initiative Generational Enrichment Ministry Center will serve as the headquarters of PvilleYI and a shared community space designed to strengthen young people while welcoming the broader Pleasantville community.
Often simply called “The Gem,” this building reflects the belief that every young person carries inherent worth and God-given potential. Each space inside the PvilleYI GEM Center is intentionally designed to support connection, dignity, stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
Grand Opening & Pilot Season
A community Grand Opening celebration is planned for late August 2026, with a tentative launch of our pilot season beginning September 1, 2026.
During the pilot season, The Gem’s weekly rhythm will include:
Open Room Hours from 3:30pm–6:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Youth events and creative classes
Mentoring and leadership development
Community gatherings, workshops, and shared meals
In addition to youth programming, the PvilleYI GEM Center will host select classes, events, and gatherings for both youth and the broader Pleasantville community — creating space for generational connection throughout the week.
The Gem is being built not simply as a building, but as a place where rhythms of welcome, stability, and shared life will take root.
Take a
Of The GEM
Below you’ll find some AI Sketched Room Concepts. Click or tap to find out more about each room.
The Gathering SPace
Primary Event Space
The Gathering Space will serve as the heart of The Gem — a flexible, welcoming environment centered on connection.
Most days, this room will be arranged around tables, shared meals, snacks, and conversation. Students will decompress after school, build friendships, and participate in guided activities during Open Room Hours. At other times, the space will transform for worship nights, community dinners, dances, speaking events, and celebrations.
Fully movable furnishings will allow the room to adapt easily while keeping warmth at its core. Whether gathered around tables or clearing space for an event, the purpose will remain the same: creating common ground where relationships grow.
Aligned rentals of The Gathering Space will also contribute to operational sustainability, helping ensure youth programming remains accessible and free.
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Learning Kitchen & Kitchen Window
The Learning Kitchen will be a hands-on teaching space where young people will develop practical life skills through cooking, teamwork, and hospitality.
Youth will learn nutrition, budgeting, and food preparation alongside trusted adults and volunteers. The Kitchen Window will operate during Open Room Hours, offering snacks and drinks through a dignity-centered, trust-based model.
The kitchen will also host community classes and fundraising events, strengthening intergenerational connection while contributing to long-term sustainability at The Gem.
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Prayer Room
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
The Prayer Room will be a quiet, single-occupancy retreat designed for reflection, prayer, and spiritual grounding.
Students will access the room during programming hours, and community members will be able to reserve time throughout the week. This space will reinforce prayer as a foundational rhythm of Pleasantville Youth Initiative.
In a busy world, this room will offer stillness and peace.
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Mentoring Room
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 20:18
The Mentoring Room will provide a private, confidential setting for one-on-one mentoring, counseling, coaching, and pastoral care.
Primarily serving youth during Open Room Hours, the room will also be available to licensed therapists, pastors, and aligned professionals outside of youth hours. This dual-use model supports both early intervention for youth and responsible financial stewardship for the PvilleYI GEM Center.
Trusted relationships formed here will help cultivate long-term stability and resilience.
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Laundry & Needs Pantry
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” — Romans 12:13
Laundry facilities and a discreet Needs Pantry will help meet essential, everyday needs.
Youth will have access to laundry machines and hygiene supplies in a way that reinforces dignity rather than charity. These resources will support school attendance, employment readiness, and overall well-being.
Providing stability in practical ways allows young people to focus on growth, relationships, and opportunity.
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Creativity STUDIO
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” — Ephesians 2:10
The Creativity Studio will be a welcoming space for artistic expression and creative exploration.
Youth will engage in drawing, painting, writing, sewing, and mixed media projects. Rotating prompts and workshops will encourage experimentation and growth. Artwork will be displayed throughout The Gem, affirming youth voice and contribution.
The studio will also host community classes and guest artists, expanding creative access while contributing to sustainable programming.
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Art Galleries
“Let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:16
Rotating gallery spaces throughout The Gem will showcase youth artwork and collaborative community projects.
Exhibits will celebrate student creativity, host opening receptions, and bring families and neighbors together. Select art events and exhibits may also support fundraising initiatives.
The galleries will reinforce a core belief of The Gem: young people’s voices deserve visibility and celebration.
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Sound Recording Studio
“Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” — Psalm 33:3
The Sound Studio will be a reservation-based recording space where youth will explore music production, podcasting, spoken word, and audio storytelling.
With structured supervision and intentional scheduling, students will gain hands-on experience with recording technology while developing responsibility and confidence.
The Sound Studio will nurture creativity, communication skills, and self-expression.
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Shower
“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food… what good is it if you do not provide for their physical needs?” — James 2:15–16
In addition to restroom facilities, The Gem will include a private bathroom with shower access.
This space will provide dignity-centered support for students who may need access to hygiene resources before school, work, or activities. Access will be structured and supervised to ensure privacy and care.
By addressing practical needs in a thoughtful way, The PvilleYI GEM Center will help remove barriers to participation and belonging.
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Conference room
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3
The Conference Room will serve as a collaborative planning and leadership space within The Gem.
It will host volunteer trainings, youth leadership cohorts, board meetings, and strategic planning sessions. Outside of youth programming hours, it will be available as a professional rental space for small businesses and local organizations.
This room will help strengthen partnerships and infrastructure, ensuring the Generational Enrichment Ministry Center remains mission-driven and sustainable.