The Past and Present of the CGTC
How was the Common Ground Teen Center started? Some issues that have faced the citizens of the Washington Community for the last several years have been the availability of drugs, attitudes that promote this behavior, and low community attachment. After holding several focus groups with teens in the Fall of 2001 it was apparent that there was a great need for a safe and healthy environment for youth in the area. In an effort to work towards a solution, the Common Ground Teen Center was opened in the Summer of 2002 and is governed by a fourteen member Teen Advisory Board, which assists with planning and fundraising for the center.
As a result of money provided by a State Incentive Grant, the CGTC has been able to operate four days a week from 3:00PM to 9:00PM. Special Events such as dances and local band nights are held monthly on Friday or Saturday evenings. There is a staff of three supervisors that are available to assist with homework and ensure a safe, drug, alcohol, and tobacco free place for the youth of Washington to use computers, listen to music, play videogames, shoot pool, or just spend time with friends.
How can you help the CGTC? The Common Ground Teen Center has been primarily funded through a State Incentive Grant that will come to an end in the fall of 2006. In order to continue the services the Center provides to the students of Washington County, alternative funding needs to be found. Monetary contributions and donations of snacks, computer games, videogames, and time are welcome.
To contribute, or for more information on how you can help us make an impact on the youth and students of Washington County please contact the Neighborhood Drug Awareness Corps, Inc.(N.D.A.C.)
Help suport our agency and the programs we provide with your United Way contributions by choosing Contributor Choice # 0719.
This project is funded in part, under contracts with the PA Department of Health.
