Teen Club for Druid Hills Kids Trying to Build Support

A proposed new teen center designed to provide a positive venue and atmosphere for kids from Druid Hills and elsewhere is facing a critical next few weeks.

Get Grounded, a 501(c)3 organization, is seeking a special permit from the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners to operate a teen center on an -owned piece of property. The board is scheduled to vote on the organization's request on Sept. 27, but Get Grounded is hoping to gain some momentum between now and then.

"It is very important that we show enough involvement in the community to persuade the commission of the worth of granting the permit," Executive Director Angie Waddell said. "The bottom line, in terms of what makes us different than what's out there, is that this center is meant to be operated by teens themselves, and empowering them with that responsibility."

The Get Grounded Teen Center will be designed "for teens from the sixth to 12 grades, who can come and reconnect with themselves, their peers and their community," Waddell said. "It's designed to provide a place where they can socialize, but it also has a heavy, community-service aspect as well."

Funds to operate the facility will come from donations and other private sources.

Waddell eventually envisions a facility that includes an art studio; a community outreach program; a game room; a lounge; a music studio; a performance theater; a recording studio; and a yoga program.

One service the center will not provide is substance-abuse counseling. Waddell said any such requests would be outsourced or referred elsewhere.

"This is all about average teens who come in the door and who will have a safe place to be," she said.

Get Grounded is urging supporters to attend the following meetings:

• District 2 community council meeting – August 17, 6:30pm, at the Mason Mill Center for Seniors & Disabled
• Druid Hills Civic Association meeting - August 17, 7:30pm at
• Planning commission hearing – September 8, 6:30pm at the Maloof Auditorium