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Located on the Lower Level of
the
Deptford Mall
Open
Monday to Friday: 3:30
PM - 9:00 PM
Teen Center History:
At SODAT's 1992 Prevention Youth
Conference, Gloucester County teens developed a county plan which included
a county-wide teen center.
The county plans were to identify and
address the most crucial problems facing the youth of their communities.
These teens believed a center which would provide alcohol and other drug
education, recreational, and social activities would be the ideal way to
address adolescent issues and problems in their county. The center would
also provide a place where they can just be themselves - a place where
they will not be judged or criticized, a "safe" place.
After the conference, the youth
continued to work on this project, and because of their commitment,
SODAT was able to receive money from United Way's Ron Jaworski
Venture Grant and matching funds. The support received from local
businesses, civic leaders and organizations was instrumental in acquiring
the facility where these programs can be implemented.
With the help of these dedicated people
and the teens of Gloucester County, a dream that began in February of 1992
has come to fruition. SODAT's Teen Center is located on the first
floor of the Deptford Mall, 300 North Almonesson Rd. Deptford, New Jersey.
About
the Teen Center:
The Teen
Center is a very relaxed, home like setting. It is manned by the
coordinator and a prevention specialist. On a daily basis teens
can come to the center for information and resources on common teenage
issues and concerns. Here teens learn to care about
themselves, others and the community. Teens attending the center
are presented with variety of speakers such as, recovering addicts, a
Holocaust survivor, volunteer firefighters and a business manager to
name a few. We offer creative outlets such as arts and
crafts, poetry reading, singing and just plain old talking. Video
games, board games, books and movies are available if teens want to
relax and have fun. Snacks and juice are available to the all
participants. We also give teens t he
opportunity to take part in community service activities such as environmental
clean ups, food collection drives, making cards for hospice patients and
others, collecting donations for the troops, etc...
Here's what some of our regulars
have to say about the Teen Center:
"I feel accepted for who I am." ~Rachel
"I feel safe and secure." ~ Anne
"It's somewhere to let off steam, to chill and meet new
people." ~Eric
Notice
SODAT has been honored to receive from
Commerce Bank a
donation of $500.00 to our Teen Center
for the purchase of
new furniture
and
The Ronald McDonald
Foundation has donated $6,000.00 for the purchase of furniture, recreation
equipment and games for the new teen center in our Bridgeton Office.
Discussion & Debate
Teens share
ideas on relevant issues in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
Anger Management
Seven week course that introduces anger
control strategies.
Creative Minds
A variety of artistic mediums are
explored. Teens are able to showcase various talents.
The Real World
Workshops & guest speakers are
utilized to expose teens to life skills.
Get Involved Night
Teens enjoy music, movies, games
and snacks. They have fun with friends while making a difference in
the community!
Homework Help & Tutoring are available every afternoon!
The
Teen Center is a drug-free environment that is open to ALL teens.
All
activities are FREE!
For more information on SODAT's Teen
Center or to volunteer your services, please give us a call at 856-845-0552 or e-mail us at
teencenter@sodat.org .
SODAT Teen Center
Deptford Mall
Deptford Mall, 300 North Almonesson Rd.
Deptford, New Jersey 08096
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