History:

In 1999 a group of concerned citizens formed a committee for creating a teen center. Development and implementation of this project included: location, hours, funding, staffing, participation, rules, ownership. Initial fund for this project came from the Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority Mini Grant. $6300.00 was awarded. A center was created in the basement of the public library. High school youth worked side by side with volunteer adult sponsors to set up the center and plan activities offered by the center. Major items purchased for the teen center included pool table, TV’s, Nintendo systems, foosball table, air hockey table, furniture, and snack bar/ kitchen items.  Rotating staff directors were hired for supervision.

The Board of Directors meet quarterly to plan, budget and conduct seasonal activities, fund raising projects for the Roadhouse Youth Center and to ensure that adequate funding is available at all times.  Grants, Donations and Fundraisers are the main sources of keeping the Roadhouse Youth Center open. In 2002 The Roadhouse applied and received 501 C3 Status from the IRS, which enable us to expand our sources for grant funding.

Due to library construction, and increased student attendance, The Roadhouse recently relocated to a bigger facility leased from the City Of Herington.  Construction at the new location was offered by the City of Herington, with materials paid by the Roadhouse. Students are now required to fill out several forms and issued a Roadhouse Youth Center Student Photo Identification Card before utilizing the new facility.

Mission:

The Mission of the Roadhouse Youth Center is to provide during after-school hours a FREE, safe, wholesome environment with positive quality activities/entertainment that will attract as many youth as possible from negative peer pressure, discrimination, and exposure to drugs or any other negative activities they might otherwise be engaged in.