Connections provides a safe space for middle and high school teens to gather and encourages them to become productive members of the community. Our space is a place where they can release some of their anxiety and just "be"! Providing a place for youth to safely gather is paramount to growing healthy, mature adults. Encouraging camaraderie and promoting dialogue among teens helps to deter bullying and dangerous recreational activities. Meeting teens at a crucial point in their growth gives us the opportunity to shape future leaders. Through conversations, mentoring, music, art, and service projects the youth are encouraged to “find their voice” through expression and social change initiatives (featured speakers, community clean-up days, health awareness, community-building activities, etc.). The entire establishment works to be ecologically sensitive, encouraging recycling and the use of sustainable products.