What is the Common Ground Teen Center?
The Common Ground Teen Center is an operation made by The Academy of Adolescent Health, for teens from ages 14-18 to have a safe place to go to and spend their time doing things they enjoy. The Teen Center is "ran by teens for teens", meaning that whenever you go to the Teen Center there will be no adults in the building, it is ran by a staff of high school seniors that were handpicked by the owner of the Teen Center, Mary Jo Podgurski.
The building is owned by W&J and rented to us so we can have a safe place away from violence to learn and grow as people. Along with being a teen "safe haven" the Teen Center is also home to many different programs that go through many different Washington County public schools.
The Teen Center requires you to sign a contract stating you agree to listen to the rules and regulations of the Teen Center, the contract helps us have order in the building.
When is the Teen Center open?
The Teen Center, located on 53 N. College St. is open to people ages 14-18 on all weekdays from 3pm to 7pm, also on the second and fourth Friday of every month the Teen Center holds a Movie Night event where the Center is open until 10pm.
On Thursdays the Teen Center holds a Middle School every Wednesday from the hours of 3-7. where any students in grades 6th-8th can attend so that they can get help from the staff with homework or possibly just spend time with friends.
What are the Teen Centers rules?
The Teen Center has an extensive list of understandable and reasonable rules.
1. The Teen Center is a safe place.
a. We all try to get along.
b. Please respect others at all times.
c. Ignore annoyances, and make the best of every situation.
d. Be mature
e. Practice patience, show kindness, develop empathy.
f. One light must be on at all times.
g. Blankets are for once person.
2. Respect and listen to the Teen Center staff.
3. Alcohol. Tobacco, and Drugs:
a. No one is permitted to drink any alcohol of any type.
b. No drug use of any sort.
c. No smoking or tobacco use near the building.
d. E-cigarettes and Vapes are not permitted in the building.
5. Noise
a. Please be sensitive about loud noise. Some people are troubled by sensory overload.
b. The Art Room is an area that is useful for those who need a moment away from the noise. Please respect that. (If there is more than one person in the art room door must be slightly ajar.)
6. Everybody is responsible for cleaning up after themselves.
7. No sexual acting out- Body fluids will not be exchanged.
