Teen Center Puts the Call Out to Volunteers

Like any successful venture, the Dixon Teen Center has is growing and expanding its mission. But as it grows, so does the need for volunteers.

On Wednesday evening, the center's governing board held an Informational Night for parents of teens who are registered at the center. They put a call out to the parents and urged them to become volunteers.

Currently, the center is open each Friday and Saturday, 6-11 p.m., both days. But the center's governing board would like to begin opening the centers up on weekdays after school, 2-9 p.m.

The governing board also hopes to implement tutoring, classes, seminars, theatrical productions and mentoring. So far, about 300 teenagers are registered at the center, with a 32 volunteers to help run it all.

In actuality though, Dixon United Methodist Church Pastor Cathy Morris, who sits on the center's governing board said that 27 volunteers are active. Some volunteers such as LC Cunningham spend each weekend at the center. The center needs at least six volunteers to run, and sometimes they have to turn teens away when there aren't enough volunteers available, Morris said.

It's something that shouldn't happen with the right amount of volunteers, Morris said. Just to keep the center going, Morris said she would need an additional 30 volunteers to step up.

To become a volunteer, candidates must do a background check as well as fill out necessary paperwork that the city requires. Volunteers must also take CPR training and also training provided by center staff. In all the cost is about $40 Morris said.

But for those who don't have the money to pay, the governing board has a small amount of funds to assist with the process, Morris said. She also told the parents who attended, about 30, that they are looking into hiring paid volunteers.

Morris said if the center is unable to get additional people to volunteer that the center would have to reduce the number of participants and scale back the number of sessions.

Volunteering is but one of the ways residents can support the center. Other ways include becoming a Friend of the Dixon Teen Center with an annual pledge, support fundraising events or sponsor one.

On April 9, at 9 a.m., the center will host a orientiation class for everyone who is interested in volunteering. For further information contact Cathy Morris at (707) 678-2191.