Stockbridge Teen Center receives $5,000 donation from Eaton Federal Savings

The Stockbridge Teen Center hopes to open next month, and on Thursday, Aug. 8, Eaton Federal Savings Bank provided a shot in the arm with a $5,000 donation to the cause. L-R: Samantha Young, Bonnie Davidson, Heather Marks and Heidi Paton. Photo credit: Patrice Johnson

by Patrice Johnson

The Stockbridge Teen Center hopes to open next month, and on Thursday, Aug. 8, Eaton Federal Savings Bank provided a shot in the arm with a $5,000 donation to the cause.

On hand to receive the funds were Bonnie Davidson and daughter Samantha Young, student ministry directors of Stockbridge Crossroads Community Church. Heather Marks and Heidi Paton of Eaton Federal Savings presented the check.

“We’re happy to support this local teen center,” Marks said. “I grew up here. I went to school in Stockbridge my entire life. We’ve never had anything like this, so I’m really excited to be able to help make this happen.”

The Teen Center, located inside the Stockbridge Activity Center in Stockbridge (former middle school), will take a secular approach to serving youth, grades 6 through 12.

“We want to have a variety of activities for kids to do in order to stay off the streets and have a safe, fun environment to go to,” Young said. “Activities will range from a quiet place for homework and mentoring, to video games, sports and gym time”

“We’ll be having Honor Society students come to mentor the younger students,” Davidson added.

Their immediate goal is prepare the area to host an open house from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 4. After that, plans are to keep the Teen Center open Monday through Friday, 2:30 to 5:30, depending on availability of qualified, adult volunteers. Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Teen Center will host Stockbridge Crossroads Youth Group.

Access to gymnasium facilities represents what the sponsors hope will become a significant attraction. Davidson said the center plans to open the gym on specific dates and times and have activities there for kids. In addition, the center intends to make snacks and food available for purchase at minimal cost.

Marks, a lifetime resident of the area, serves as assistant vice president and branch manager of the Stockbridge office. Paton moved to the area more than 20 years ago and serves as assistant branch manager. Both were employees of SSB Bank prior to its acquisition by Eaton.

The Teen Center has been undergoing renovations for more than a year in preparation for opening, and its vision goes hand in hand with the transfer of ownership. In May 2018, Stockbridge Community News reported on Mike and Leah Dalton’s purchase of the former middle school.

While giving a tour, Dalton stood in what once functioned as a study hall. “Out of everything, if there’s one reason we purchased this building, it’s because of that right there,” he said with a sweeping gesture. “This youth center is going to be the talk of town. It’s going to impact a lot of kids’ lives.” https://stockbridgecommunitynews.com/daltons-breathe-new-life-into-the-old-stockbridge-middle-school/