Teen REACH

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Responsible, Empowered Adolescents Creating Hope

Teen REACH provides programming for 8th through 12th graders that helps teens to get involved, become leaders, learn, play, hang out, and make a difference. Teen REACH aims to engage Newton’s youth in fun and enriching activities that help them grow into thriving adults. Rather than “hanging out” with insufficient supervision, NCSC’s teen centers provides an environment where teens develop healthy relationships with peers and adults.

By collaborating with other organizations, including Newton schools, businesses, senior citizens, and police, fire and recreation departments, teens develop powerful connections with adults and reduce their feelings of being “disenfranchised.” Teen REACH encourages civic engagement by providing a voice for teens and conducting community service projects. Teens who take an active role in shaping the centers’ services and behavior guidelines develop a sense of ownership of and responsibility to the Teen Center and ultimately develop leadership skills and self-esteem.

Just as teens have different social needs, Teen REACH provides different avenues of outreach: at school, at community centers they can call their own, at a summer outdoor program, or through one-on-one mentoring.

Teens participating inTeen REACH can meet up with friends in the afternoons at the high schools’ Tiger Spot (NNHS) or Lion Spot (NSHS). In the evenings they can get together at one of our two teen centers (on Chestnut Street and Cherry Street) to play a game of pool, ping-pong, or X-Box, to find a quiet place to study, or to unwind with a good movie.

We always have snacks, good conversation, and staff available for all who stop by one of our drop-in spots. Teen REACH is all about offering students new opportunities, fun times and a strong, safe support system. There is no fee to participate in the drop-in centers, and reasonable fees for off-site events.

In addition, teens can sign up for Higher Ground, our weeklong adventure and leadership camp during the summer. Higher Ground has a separate, often subsidized, fee schedule.

Finally, the Mentor Connection is available for teens who can benefit by connecting with a caring adult outside of the school or teen center environment. Participating teens are carefully matched with adult mentors to provide the teen with an on-going supportive relationship and a new perspective on his or her world.