How to Start a Local Teen Center

Determine where the funding will come from. Most teen centers start as community projects with funding coming from the city commission, a local recreation commission, or a YMCA-type organization. Consider talking to the people who head up these entities first.

Prepare a business plan. Running a teen center is a business, after all, and you will have to show your community leaders, or a lender, how you can make this a successful venture. Consider contacting some major philanthropic foundations in your area that donate to child groups. In most cases, a teen center isn't a moneymaker, so you will need to show where recurring funding will come from and how much you will need.

Show the community what need you will be filling. If you can provide evidence that your teen center is needed, you will have better luck getting permission to proceed.

Address the concerns that will arise. In recent years, many communities have closed the doors to teen centers because they became a hangout for gangs and drugs. Demonstrate your plan for security and for deterring crime. If you can show good cause why your teen center will be a benefit to the community, you will be closer to approval.

Recruit a few like-minded adults that will help you achieve your goals. The center will take diligence to start, but by sharing the responsibility and footwork, you increase your odds of being successful.