Starbucks Stirs Up a Little Magic at Youth Bureau

• The following is a press release from the City of White Plains

What does it take to transform a worn and dingy space into a warm and inviting teen lounge?

Just 18 hours when you’re working with a team of Starbucks volunteers. In keeping with the coffee company’s mission of nurturing the human spirit, a team of volunteers, led by district manager Christa Drake, joined Youth Bureau staff and youth to give the Teen Lounge at 11 Amherst Place, a floor to ceiling renovation.

For years, the Youth Bureau had engaged in piecemeal attempts to spruce up the Teen Lounge; frequently accepting slightly used furnishings, that didn’t always match, to provide the youth with seating and activities.  

When a local Starbucks District Manager Christa Drake and team of volunteers offered to redo the Teen Lounge, the Youth Bureau didn’t hesitate to say YES!

“The Starbucks’ offer is the perfect example of what makes White Plains such a great place for our youth,” said Youth Bureau Executive Director Frank Williams. “Businesses see a need and don’t hesitate to support us in our efforts to provide youth with supplies, services and /or opportunities to help them feel more connected to the community.”  

Walmart provided yet another example of corporate support for the Youth Bureau by selling the agency a 42-inch television for a greatly reduced price.

The Starbucks gift doesn’t end with the renovation. Drake says Starbucks will provide beverages and snacks for monthly café nights at the Teen Lounge.

The Teen Lounge’s Grand Re-opening will take place on Tuesday, May 8th.

Drake said, “for us here at Starbucks it is all about the human connection. I feel we are all born with the ability to help each other and we should use that ability as often as possible.”

The Teen Lounge is open to middle school and high school students from 2:30-8:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

For more information about the three Teen Lounges operated by the Youth Bureau contact Adrienne Rivers at arivers@whiteplainsny.gov or (914) 422-1378.

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