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THE CROSSWALK TEEN CENTER STORY
Crosswalk Teen Center is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is solely governed by its bylaws. Crosswalk Teen Center was created out of the conviction of a group of committed individuals who care deeply about Charlotte teens. Executive Director, Rick Todd, a former teacher and small business Technical Sales and Support Executive, took on the challenge of his local pastor, who asked the congregation to consider what they could do to impact their community. A downtown teen center was an idea that resonated with Rick as a group of friends who meet regularly for lunch began discussions of this idea. Out of these discussions emerged the concept of Crosswalk Teen Center. |
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Crosswalk Teen Center has a committed Board of Directors who secured significant seed funds to launch this project from individual donations and church donations. In the summer of 2013, a building was purchased on the corner of Cochran Ave. and Lawrence Ave. and renovation began immediately. Crosswalk Teen Center has made it a priority to build a collaborative network of city officials, nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, and area families.
Teen feedback has been critical to the formation of Crosswalk Teen Center’s planning. A focus group was established in January 2014 to explore the needs of Eaton County teens. Out of this group came over 250 ideas for program at the Crosswalk Teen Center.
On February 11, 2014, Crosswalk Teen Center opened its first teen facility in Charlotte. The location provides a teen common area, three meeting rooms, computer area, recording studio, kitchen, art studio, and administrative office at 103 W. Lawrence Ave. The 4000+ square-foot facility provides teens a unique destination in the heart of downtown. Teens are able to drop-in after school for programs in four focus areas: educational support, community connection, everyday living, and expressive arts.
As the program developed with the input from the teens the focus has evolved to most of programming efforts focused on fosters the creation, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual and performing arts through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. Crosswalk continues to take a holistic approach to the program and is a huge resource for the teens offering tutoring support, community service projects, life skills development, and food programs.
Teen feedback has been critical to the formation of Crosswalk Teen Center’s planning. A focus group was established in January 2014 to explore the needs of Eaton County teens. Out of this group came over 250 ideas for program at the Crosswalk Teen Center.
On February 11, 2014, Crosswalk Teen Center opened its first teen facility in Charlotte. The location provides a teen common area, three meeting rooms, computer area, recording studio, kitchen, art studio, and administrative office at 103 W. Lawrence Ave. The 4000+ square-foot facility provides teens a unique destination in the heart of downtown. Teens are able to drop-in after school for programs in four focus areas: educational support, community connection, everyday living, and expressive arts.
As the program developed with the input from the teens the focus has evolved to most of programming efforts focused on fosters the creation, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual and performing arts through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. Crosswalk continues to take a holistic approach to the program and is a huge resource for the teens offering tutoring support, community service projects, life skills development, and food programs.