Satterberg Foundation

The Jefferson Teen Center (Jefferson County, Washington: Invitational Grant of $2,000, granted 7/07) provides drop-in preventive services and recreational opportunities to the youth.

“Many of our kids have confided that without the Teen Center they were often ‘home alone with nothing to do’. Statistics compiled by the Center for Juvenile Justice demonstrate that kids are most likely to be either the victims or the perpetrators of crime in the immediate after-school hours. By filling in this empty place in our teens’ lives, we hope to keep our kids safe and teach them to value and respect themselves and others, and become productive, responsible and caring citizens.”

Their director said: “I recognize that we give much to the teens at the center,however, I get back every bit - and more - than I give. I am so encouraged that, with so little effort, young lives can be enhanced, and actually changed for the better. I am so encouraged that, despite the current challenges of our culture, innocence,kindness and brilliance are still very evident in our youth.