Students want That One Place
Joe Fisher is a dreamer and a planner and his current dreams and plans include a teen center for Hillsboro youth. The Hillsboro Middle School eighth grader and some of his friends have a secured a temporary home for That One Place at Main Street Ministries.
Last Saturday morning the teen center advocates, Joe, Sam Bookless, John Hein, J. Michael Hiebert, and Matthew Klenda, met at Main Street to convert a storage room into their room.
"We were just thinking about what's available in Hillsboro for young people to do," said Joe, "and what we can do to help."
With the help of Leo Club members and sponsor Tonja Wienck, Joe got some friends involved and Lillian Bookless, director of Main Street Ministries, agreed to let the group use a room temporarily.
"The idea of the teen center came from the kids," said Wienck. "They are highly motivated. I hope they get community support because these kids want to do something positive for the community."
Although the center is located in their facility, it is not a part of Main Street.
"We're providing the room and some direction," said Bookless. "This is a leap we're going to take. "
Bookless hopes volunteers and the Main Street staff can provide structure for the teen center not only with activities but with discussion and guidance.
Joe and his group hope Tabor students will volunteer with physical labor and sponsoring activities.
According to Joe, there is interest in a teen center.
"We want to help provide for the youth of Hillsboro," Joe said. "Eventually, we want the community to become involved. We think a teen center is an improvement in our community."
That One Place, for young people sixth grade through high school, is set to open during spring break March 21 through 25. After that, the group wants to set hours for several evenings during the week and weekends.
"We're not certain of the hours," said Joe. "The schedule depends on the availability of volunteers. We want to be open as much as possible."
The organizers will have games, snacks, and outdoor activities.
"We want to get kids involved and help them have more entertainment," said Matthew Klenda. "We think a teen center will give kids something to do and maybe help them keep out of trouble."
The group hopes to get Lions Club, Kiwanis, and Leos involved in the teen center.
"Hopefully, we can make this work and move on," Joe said. "We want to apply for grants and we are taking donations."
Anyone wanting more information about That One Place can call Lillian Bookless at Main Street Ministries at 947-3393.
For now, Joe and his group have the room set up and are planning their next move and setting their sights on what's good for young people.
"We want to make people aware of what we are doing and why," said Joe.
