Dixon Teen Center Aims to Evolve into Afterschool Hub

Things have been going well at the Dixon Teen Center. Ever since it opened its doors in January, it’s seen a steady increase in teenagers who enjoy the concerts, dances and activities held each week.

In fact, according to Dixon Police Chief Jon Cox, the center hosts between 100 and 150 teens each Friday and Saturday. On Wednesday, March 30, the center’s governing board will host an Informational Night to let the community know about the center’s accomplishments and perhaps more importantly, how it plans to evolve.

Originally, the center was envisioned as a place where teenagers could hang out with their friends, shoot pool or play video games, maybe hear music from a local band or DJ, and be away from negative influences.

But Cox said the center aims to be so much more.

“We want to start mentoring these kids, preparing them for college and careers,” he said.

Cox, who sits on the center’s governing board, said the board would like to operate the center during afterschool hours and not just on Fridays and Saturdays. The board would like to offer a series of afterschool programs.

One program could help teens with homework. Another might offer teens help with creating a resume or filling out a college application. With the help of community volunteers, sky’s the limit Cox said.

Today, 220 kids are registered at the center with roughly 40 volunteers helping to run it. Six or more volunteers operate the center on Fridays and Saturdays.

Cox said in order for the center realize its goal of becoming an afterschool hub for Dixon youths, it will need at least 40 more volunteers.

To become a volunteer, people must go through a screening process that requires a criminal background check. Volunteers also receive training, including CPR instruction, and must fill out some forms required by the city.

Over Spring Break week, April 4-9, the center will be closed with April 9 set aside for a training day with volunteers Cox said. The Teen Center Informational Night is scheduled for Wednesday, March 30, 7 p.m., on 455 East A St. Everyone is welcome.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer can contact Cathy Morris at (707) 678-2191.