Working second shift, hundreds if not thousands of Kosciusko County employees miss out on a lot of opportunities, such as sports leagues.

When they get off work, their only options for recreation are hitting the bars or visiting a local 24-hour store.

But now, that's changed.

Kosciusko Leadership Academy and Baker Youth Clubs have joined together to offer second shift workers an opportunity for fun. Called "Positive Choices For the Second Shift Community," the program came about as a result of a KLA white paper project by Baker Youth Clubs Executive Director Scott Wiley; Carl Ellis, Dekko Heating Technologies Inc.; and Jason Conley, Paragon Medical. The white paper project was sponsored by the Bowen Center.

"I think the second shift community is forgotten a lot," said Wiley.

The basic premise is that the club, at the Pete Thorn Building at Lucerne Park, Warsaw, is open from 11 p.m. Wednesdays to 2 a.m. Thursdays. Men and women of all ages can play basketball, pool, volleyball, ping pong and euchre; enjoy music; dance or just hang out and have fun. The night isn't structured, Wiley said, because people said they just wanted a place to go and play.

On the opening night, 27 people showed. Since then, an average of 20 to 30 people show up every week after getting off work.

"People are loving it," said Wiley. "... The people really appreciate it. The guys are really excited about it. It's free."

One person who enjoys the "second-shift club" is Amy Perkins.

"The second shift club is an excellent idea," she wrote in a testimonial to Wiley. "I enjoy hanging out with friends and meeting new people. This club keeps people out of bars and away from alcohol. I enjoy physical activity and good clean fun. This is a great alternative for everyone and keeps many people out of trouble."

Of course, a person doesn't have to work second shift to be there. Men and women, teens and senior citizens are all invited. During spring break, Wiley said, they had many high school kids and people over age 50.

"For some reason, most people are from Biomet," he said.

Eventually, he said, they want to expand the program to four nights a week. Currently, Baker Youth Clubs has a lease with the city of Warsaw for only one night a week.

"The next step is to go to the city and see if we can expand our lease to four days," said Wiley. The program has been put in Baker Youth Clubs' budget for this year.

"Our philosophy for kids is, if it's fun and safe, do it. The same for adults," Wiley said.

Baker Youth Clubs has been a member of the local United Way since 1971 and has served Kosciusko County since 1926.

Baker Youth Clubs offers many other programs such as satellite clubs, Baker Alumni Club, summer club, summer day care, parent/child night, leagues and field trips. [[In-content Ad]]