Youth Center and Cafe ['60 Likes' on August 1, 2012!]
This teen center or café would be a safe and fun “hang-out” spot for our youth. This center would provide a wide range of positive after-school activities such as: tutoring/ peer-to-peer homework assistance, access to computers and other recreational activities and sports.
Along with homework help, this center would be an ideal place to have a little store that sells water and healthy snacks.
Questions:
If you looked inside what would you see?
Where is a good location for this venue?
If there were a teen center downtown, would you come?
If Saturday classes were held (i.e.: SAT Prep Classes), would you attend?
What types of classes/activities would make you come to this center
EDH 2025 Focus Area 3: Strengthening & Sustaining Our Community
Secondary Focus Area 1: Creating Economic Vitality
September 13, 2011 (last changed October 10, 2012)
Top Comments
I visited a place like this in Port Townsend, WA called the Boiler Room. It had a cafe, where many of the kids worked and managed, and a living room atmosphere with lots of musical instruments for jams. The night I visited they had a poetry night and music jam – lots of fun. It did require a backer to make it all happen, and they have a non-profit set up to keep it going. Your can check it out at www. ptbr.org – J Leonard
Definately a great idea, and wonderful possibilities for partnerships with the Girls and Boys Club, YM and YWCAs, Scouts, etc.
I love this idea and here are some potential locations:
Of course, the old National Dollar Store would be great!
Hilo Plaza Building on Kinoole, bottom floor, Ron Blansett owns building
Former Aloha Luigi restaurant on Keawe, contact Rey Mishina
Kaikodo Building, plenty space upstairs and down, I think the Rogers still own the building
Hilo Armory on Shipman Street – County facility, maybe some space could be allocated, cheap/free, good location, access to gym and restrooms
I’ll think of some more and post later!
Alice
Proud to be the 60th to “like” this worthy project!
I visited a place like this in Port Townsend, WA called the Boiler Room. It had a cafe, where many of the kids worked and managed, and a living room atmosphere with lots of musical instruments for jams. The night I visited they had a poetry night and music jam – lots of fun. It did require a backer to make it all happen, and they have a non-profit set up to keep it going. Your can check it out at www. ptbr.org – J Leonard
Definately a great idea, and wonderful possibilities for partnerships with the Girls and Boys Club, YM and YWCAs, Scouts, etc.
I love this idea and here are some potential locations:
Of course, the old National Dollar Store would be great!
Hilo Plaza Building on Kinoole, bottom floor, Ron Blansett owns building
Former Aloha Luigi restaurant on Keawe, contact Rey Mishina
Kaikodo Building, plenty space upstairs and down, I think the Rogers still own the building
Hilo Armory on Shipman Street – County facility, maybe some space could be allocated, cheap/free, good location, access to gym and restrooms
I’ll think of some more and post later!
Alice
I agree that there would need to be other, non-academic offerings. As of now many youths hang out at the library, so I think there is definitely potential for a very happening spot. This would require a lot of adult supervision though.
I would love to see a volunteer headquarters as a part of it as well – it can be tricky to find somewhere to volunteer in Hilo even though lots of places need help, and adolescents (and others) can gain a lot from volunteering.
the teens are not seeking to do more schoolwork after school. well, maybe some are, but the ones you’re seeking to get off the streets, they’re not interested in tutoring…
Retro all the way. Can somewone prepare a guideline budget to operate a teen center? What about the YMCA, YWCA, B and G Club involvement in this project?
I love this idea! it should happen already!
Dittos on Kristine’s location preference of the old National Dollar Store. What about a ’50s diner theme like the Kress Building has? (had?)
The best part about this idea is that it is coming from the youth.
There are a number of places that seem suitable. I like the Old National Dollar Store because there is soooooo much room. If you have a chance to check it out, you will see it is vast. There’s even a place in a back room for playing basketball!
In my mind it is open and colorful but it gets redecorated seasonally. It might even be a place for the youth to learn to rehabilitate/decorate old furnishings that could get used until it is sold. Recycle Hawaii can donate items and paint!
Love it! I would love to see a place downtown for young people as they will bring a different atmosphere…a more vibrant environment to downtown. Do we know anyone who would be willing to provide the space for something like this?