Teen Center Backs Up Operations at Fresh Location after Relocation
Second Story Teen Center, the Community-Powered Hub in Princeton
Walking down Princeton's bustling main street, a unique establishment grabs your attention—Second Story Teen Center, nestled at 125 S. Main. This haven for youngsters, completely unfunded by the state or federal government, has captured the spirit of community like few others.
Spanning a colossal 6,000 square feet, Second Story offers a smorgasbord of amenities. It boasts a basketball court, a pool for some aquatic fun, foosball and ping pong tables for a friendly challenge, a craft room for artistic souls, video game centers to feed the gaming hunger, and even a kitchen and pantry to cater to the little ones who might need an extra helping of support.
This remarkable achievement can be attributed to the unyielding vision and resilience of its founders, Jeff and Dana VanAutreve.
The VanAutreves' master plan has thrived on community backing and fundraising initiatives. Their knack for rallying the community is a crucial factor in maintaining the center's operations. A robust contingent of volunteers and local patrons forms the heart of Second Story's support network.
Transforming Second Story into a nonprofit organization in 2014 has unlocked additional revenue streams. As a nonprofit, the center can accept donations and grants, critical for its ongoing success. With this status, they've likely seized opportunities for private grants and local funding initiatives.
Partnerships with organizations such as the Princeton Rotary Club have been instrumental. The Rotary Club, for instance, has furnished the center with grants to outfit its kitchen and pantry with needed equipment[2]. This partnership underscores the vital role local organizations play in filling funding gaps.
The center runs entirely on a volunteer-driven model, keeping operational expenditures at bay compared to organizations with paid staff. This army of volunteers plays a pivotal role in administering programs and services, minimizing overhead costs.
Persistence and a clear mission of providing a secure and nurturing space for at-risk youth have fueled the center's advancement over the years. The VanAutreves' tireless efforts in raising awareness and funds within the community have ensured the center's longevity.
However, the road to self-sufficiency is not entirely paved. Second Story endures fundraising hurdles, as it strives to gather approximately $300,000 to meet its initial targets[1]. But with the community's unwavering support, this lofty goal may just be within grasp.
The Second Story Teen Center, located in Princeton, has moved to outfit its facilities with specialized equipment, such as ping pong and foosball tables, thanks to funding from local organizations like the Princeton Rotary Club. The center, which is entirely volunteer-driven to keep operational costs low, is working towards self-sufficiency, aiming to gather approximately $300,000 in funding, a challenge that the community's support aims to overcome. Despite the ongoing fundraising efforts, Second Story Teen Center continues to provide a nurturing space for at-risk youth, offering sports activities like table tennis and basketball, among other amenities.
