Teen Center Two Now Operational at New Site
Second Story Teen Center Thrives on Local Support
Jeff and Dana VanAutreve have achieved something remarkable - establishing a local teen hub without a dime of state or federal funding. The revamped Second Story now calls 125 S. Main in Princeton its home. Boasting a whopping 6,000 square feet, this amazing space is brimming with a basketball court, pool, foosball and ping pong tables, craft room, video game centers, and a kitchen and pantry for those in need.
The VanAutreves successfully created this haven through commmunity-driven fundraising and partnerships. The center's brand-new $500,000+ facility is a testament to the power of local donations and community support. The April 24, 2025 open house effectively showcased the generosity of residents and businesses.
One such partner was the Princeton Rotary Club, who donated $5,000 for the center's kitchen equipment, including refrigerators and freezers. These essential appliances were funded through a district grant and local contributions, demonstrating the direct impact local organizations can have on operational needs.
To better engage with the community, the new 6,000-square-foot facility strategically replaced a less visible upstairs location. By positioning the center downtown, it attracts more teens and increases community involvement.
Jeff VanAutreve openly credited the community for being the driving force behind the project, emphasizing the importance of hyper-local collaboration. It's clear that the success of Second Story is a testament to the power of community spirit!
- The Second Story Teen Center, having relocated to 125 S. Main in Princeton, has a new home that boasts not just a basketball court, but also ping pong tables, thanks to the power of hyper-local collaboration.
- The Princeton Rotary Club, a local organization, contributed $5,000 towards the center's kitchen equipment, which includes essential appliances like refrigerators and freezers, funded through a combination of district grant and local contributions.
- The strategic move to position the center downtown, as opposed to the less visible upstairs location, was to attract more teens and increase community involvement, demonstrating the VanAutreves' commitment to community-driven fundraising and partnerships.
