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 2019, 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 engage our mission and vision. Our all-volunteer board is made up of men and women representing a wide variety of Christian faith-based organizations, invested in making a positive impact on the lives of our local youth. 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 Executive Director and volunteer staff.
CEO, Stayton Sublimity Chamber
Foothills Church
My Why: “I am passionate about kids feeling safe, loved, and having the opportunity to succeed regardless of their past or current life experiences. Our youth are the next generation and it is our responsibility as a community to help them become healthy, productive adults that can break cycles of violence, abuse and poverty. It only takes a single person, who is invested in another’s well-being to completely change the trajectory of that person’s life. I want to use the time and talents God has given me to invest in others around me.”
Donor Relations Coordinator, Marion Polk Food Share
Foothills Church
My Why: “The world can feel like a confusing and unsafe place, so having a refuge like the Santiam Teen Center in our community is a blessing. As a mom of older kids who have gone through various life struggles, I am keenly aware of how important it is for there to be safe places where teens can be themselves while having enriching experiences. Praying for and participating as a board member and volunteer with the Teen Center is a privilege, and I look forward to seeing how the Lord works in the lives of all involved with this ministry.”
Retired HR/Payroll/Accounting
Foothills Church
“I am blessed to have been selected to be the Executive Director at The Santiam Teen Center. I am excited to use my experience in education, ministry, athletics, administration, and community service, to embark on this new journey, leading the center towards a brighter future.
I was raised in Salem, Oregon, and my faith was a guiding force in my life from an early age. With a background that includes roles in pastoral ministry, Christian education, and community service, I hope to bring a unique blend of skills and values to the Santiam Teen Center.
My passion for youth development and community enrichment has been grown through my years of serving and mentoring teens as an associate pastor, as a school principal, athletic director, and professor. I have a deep commitment to empowering young people to reach their potential.
My hope and prayer are to lead the Teen Center well in achieving its mission: to provide a safe, enjoyable environment where teenagers can engage in constructive, educational, and social activities with the help of trained volunteers. I am also committed to realizing the center’s vision of empowering young adults who will enrich the community through positive interactions. It’s a privilege to be leading this ministry, and I’m committed to giving my all to ensure that every teenager who walks through our doors finds a safe, enjoyable environment that sets them on a path to a brighter future.”
-Steve Reed
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!