Concrete, pipes, and other building materials. These are the things that stand between the empty lot on 10th Street in Onset and a new building for the Onset Youth Center.

"The thing that's holding us back most is the money for the supplies," said Onset Youth Center treasurer Jenn Drinkwater, during the organization's 2011 Kick Off Celebration held at Salerno's Seaside Function Hall on Friday, January 14. "We have a small foundation of funds, but it's not enough."

The youth center was started in the 1950s, and was last fully operating in 1986, when the organization attempted to renovate the building, and instead found that it was no longer habitable.

Though the organization has tried to offer programming throughout the years, it has had no place to call home.

"We're starting to do a big push to get this done," said Darryl Higgins, president of the Onset Youth Center board of directors.

An architect has drawn plans for a new center and a contractor has stepped forward to get the building process started. The next step is to pour and cap the foundation for the new building.

"We'll get it, one way or another," said Higgins, whose family has been involved with the youth center since the 1960s.

Wareham-based contractor Chuck Purdy, owner of C. Purdy Construction, is ready to start building as soon as supplies are available. Purdy tore the old building down, and has pledged $550,000 of his services to help get the job done.

"It's going to be interesting," Purdy said, clearly excited about the project. "If this building that we're building saves one child, it'll be worth it."

The building will feature a kitchen, office, function rooms, a grand hall, and even a half-sized basketball court.

Though there are youth-friendly places in town, like the Boys & Girls Club and Gleason Family YMCA, the organization says the building in Onset is desperately needed.

Drinkwater, a teacher at Wareham Middle School, cited the economic and academic challenges that Wareham students face as reasons the center is needed.

More than 35 percent of Wareham students receive free lunch, 10 percent receive reduced lunch, and 45 percent of students are considered "low income," she said.

"If they can't eat, how can they afford extra programs" that allow them to "be a kid," Drinkwater asked.

Drinkwater added that 39 percent of Wareham students are under-performing in English Language Arts and 54 percent are not performing at expected levels in math, according to state MCAS scores.

Onset Youth Center will "really stress the importance of education" and provide programming to help students with schoolwork, Drinkwater said.

Onset Youth Center vice-president Marjorie Wyatt explained that the existing facilities for children and teens are spread out, and the kids who need them can't always get to them.

Wyatt said she wants to see the center open daily, with programming for children of all ages, including occupational programs for older teens. She said the building will also serve as a meeting place for local scout troops and other youth organizations.

Wareham Middle School student Deanna Phillips Cardoza articulated the need for the youth center in a heartfelt speech before the attendees of Friday's celebration.

"We are trying to find ourselves," Phillips Cardoza explained. She tearfully spoke of having no place to go in Onset, of lurking on street corners, sitting at old parks, and of being afraid. "There is nothing else to do, and no one wants to be burdened with teens."

Onset Youth Center is seeking donations of money, supplies, and time.

"We're in this until the building is up," Drinkwater said.

Donations can be sent to Onset Youth Center Inc., P.O. Box 1731, Onset MA, 02558. For more information, visit www.onsetyouthcenter.com.