Teen help-how to start?

Question

I am trying to start a club (something on that order) that helps teens with issues, homework, and educate them in health. I am almost done with schooling to become a medical asst. I know I can not do alot but, every little helps. I want to work with teens ages 13-18 ones who deal with everyday problems.

A place for them to come to after school and hang out, learn, have fun and be safe. A place they can call home for many. If you have any ideas on how I can get a program stated please let me know. My name is Stephanie and my email is [e-mail] thanks!

Answer 1

Do some research on  the internet and if you need to have a meeting with your local school board and see if they are interested in helping you set something up.  There may be a bit of background work getting the relevant licences and you may need a first aid certificate and there may even be a course you need to attend first - but hang on to your goals and work towards them 1 step at a time. Don't let anyone take this away from you.  We need to believe in our ability to make things happen and I for 1 believe in you.  GO FOR IT

Answer 2

That sounds really awesome - good for you!

Here are a couple of suggestions:

1) Contact AmeriCorp and make your pitch to them.

Here is a bit about AmeriCorp -

AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community.

Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups. Whether your service makes a community safer, gives a child a second chance, or helps protect the environment, you’ll be getting things done through AmeriCorps!

AmeriCorps members address critical needs in communities all across America. As an AmeriCorps member, you can:

    * Tutor and mentor disadvantaged youth

    * Fight illiteracy

    * Improve health services

    * Build affordable housing

    * Teach computer skills

    * Clean parks and streams

    * Manage or operate after-school programs

    * Help communities respond to disasters

    * Build organizational capacity

Benefits of Service

As an AmeriCorps member, you’ll gain new skills and experiences—and you’ll also find the tremendous satisfaction that comes from helping others. In addition, full-time members who complete their service earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans; members who serve part-time receive a partial Award. Some AmeriCorps members may also receive a modest living allowance during their term of service.

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You might also contact your local Rotary club, present your idea to them and see if they could not also help / sponsor you.

Answer 3

Your goals are laudable.  teens need a hang out where there is protection and interesting things to do besides TV and ipods/computer games and all that.

However. . .Caution:  You may find that there are 'liability' issues. . .or security stuff, since many teens are able to drive and their parents loan them the cars.  How would you teach stuff?  Would you do lessons or just have stuff there for studying?

And where would this happen?  Will you charge 'dues' for the club?  Will it be adequately supervised?  Can you keep it interesting --- which is a whole other issue?  If it is free, you will end up paying for snacks and pop.

Anyway, good luck.  Be blessed.