The Augusta Teen Center provides safe support for at-risk teens in the greater Augusta area. As part of its mission, the center offers an alternative to suspension program that focuses on helping teens evaluate their choices while providing homework support, a warm meal, and a break from the social stresses of school life. The center has a strong partnership with the Augusta School District and is looking to expand suspension support to other local schools.
The center also offers an alternative to involvement with the juvenile justice system through the Diversions to Assets (D2A) program. While traditionally referred by law enforcement, the center can now accept teens referred by community educators thanks to the generosity of the Afterschool Network and the Department of Corrections, both of which are invested in redirecting youth before further intervention is needed. The program combines tutoring with strength-building exercises and many hours of community service. Recently, three expelled teens in the program are on track to be re-enrolled in the fall, which is great news for both the teens and the community.
None of this would be possible without the dedicated staff who give above and beyond every day. The staff trains together in mental health, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) recognition, civil rights, and most recently in a two-day Restorative Justice training. The center is committed to giving staff the flexibility to attend their own children’s after-school programs, allowing them to model effective practices for their families. Additionally, the center is focused on raising wages for staff to ensure that it does not contribute to ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) issues in the community. This effort is supported by the United Way of Kennebec Valley who tirelessly work to raise awareness of this issue.
