The Teen Center provides a safe, enjoyable environment where any teenager can engage in constructive, educational and social activities with the help of trained volunteers.
Santiam Teen Center strives to empower young adults who will enrich the community by developing relationships through positive interactions.
Santiam Teen Center operates under our parent organization, New Growth Ministries. Founded in 2011, New Growth Ministries was a community endeavor in partnership with Safe Families for Children, a nationwide organization, to provide food, shelter, and hope for youth in crisis in order to promote and facilitate their resilience. Safe Families for Children is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that equips churches and other non-nonprofits with tools to provide hope and support to families in crisis. These groups of caring, compassionate, volunteer community members are located in 70 cities across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and beyond. They are motivated by faith to keep children safe and families intact.
In 2018, New Growth Ministries adjusted their focus to open the Santiam Teen Center, an after-school program to provide all youth in the area between 7th – 12th grade a safe place to share a meal, enjoy activities, learn new skills, get help with school work, and connect with their peers and healthy adult role models. Our trained volunteers listen, love, and offer support to our local teens. We are home away from home; where all teens can feel comfortable and welcome.
We are a non-profit organization who depends solely on the generosity of our volunteers and donors to provide the time, talent and financial resources which allow us to continue to serve the youth in our community.
The Santiam Teen Center is led by a dedicated Board of Directors who should engage our mission and vision. Our board is responsible for creating strategic planning, securing financial resources including fund-raising efforts, and securing grants and donations, as well as providing direction and support for our employee and volunteer staff.
Sheri Jones – Secretary
Jane McCoy – Treasurer
Tricia Frizzell – Board Member
She became a volunteer last fall and quickly became a lead volunteer with her passion for the youth we work with. Hannah grew up in Northern California and then spent a couple of years in Washington before moving to Stayton where she has lived over the past year. Three words that best describe Hannah are Open-minded, compassionate, adventurous!
Growing up, Hannah was most inspired by her school psychologist because “She helped me feel seen and supported.” Her cousins have also been great role models for her as they have shown her God’s love and acceptance.
Originally, Hannah wanted to go into Robotics Engineering, but later decided to switch her major to psychology and fell in love with it! Hannah enjoys hiking, stargazing, and just being out in nature, taking in the beauty and serenity of all of God’s creation!