LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — For the past decade, the SAFY Youth Drop-In Center has served as a safe haven for area teens, and staff members say they plan to continue providing support for as long as there is a need.
The center recently hosted an open house to showcase the programs and services available to youth ages 12 to 17. Several teens who use the facility guided visitors through the center, explaining how they spend their time and the resources available to them.
The center offers a variety of spaces, including a kitchen, game room, media room, art room and quiet room. Counselors work with teens on a range of behavioral and life skills by providing a structured environment where participants can earn tickets for completing chores and positive activities, which can then be exchanged for rewards.
Some of the center's clients are referred by other agencies, but staff emphasize that any teen interested in the program is welcome to stop in and learn more.
"The nature of the drop-in center is in the name. It is a drop-in center. Anyone walking around can come in and do a quick intake and do a couple screeners with the staff and they're full on ready to come. We are considered a safe space for teens so parents don't even necessarily need to come but we would ask for a valid number that we can call and make sure that the adults know where the teenager is safely and that they're okay to be here," said Regina Colwell, community outreach coordinator.
The SAFY Youth Drop-In Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The facility is located at 658 W. Market St., Suite 112.
Staff say their mission is to help young people successfully navigate the challenges of adolescence while providing a safe, supportive environment where they can grow and thrive.
