The very fun Teen Central – with its video games, little library, craft center and dodgeball games – was
actually born out of a very serious situation.
"Initially, the program was conceived by a group of BGSU students who had been in (Bowling Green)
high school when there were three suicides and one attempt," said Kris Chilbert, program
coordinator for Teen Central.
There were also complaints from downtown businesses and the library about teens loitering after school.

With the opening of Teen Central at City Park, it seems everyone is happier.
"This gives them a place where they can go and hang out and have fun," Chilbert said.
The Bowling Green community has also embraced the program, donating supplies and providing volunteers.

Teen Central is open to seventh and eighth-graders Monday through Thursday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. during
the school year. It’s located in the Veteran’s building.
With its two big-screen televisions, comfy couches and colorful throw rugs and pillows, it’s easy to see
why teens would want to hang out. Time to relax and play video games is allowed until 3:30 p.m.,
Chilbert said, but then the TV is turned off.
The homework center features five computers and a printer, and supplies. There’s also a regular
"staff" of a half-dozen mentors – Bowling Green State University students ready to help with
homework or just be a sounding board.
Sometimes the group retreats to the craft center for an origami or Valentine card project. Chilbert also
runs specific programs, such as a diversity board for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
And if the sun’s shining, the teens grab a bucket of balls by the door and head out to the adjacent park
for a feisty game of dodgeball.
"We can’t keep them inside when the weather’s good," Chilbert said, "and dodgeball is a
huge institution here."
Twice a year the center hosts a dance and lock-in; the next one is March 18. Chilbert said this has been
very popular, with 69 students participating in the fall one.
Has the center succeeded in its mission?
Chilbert said she’s not aware of any suicide attempts with middle school students. The staff aims to
instill self-confidence and independence in its charges.
"I’ve personally seen changes in students that just blow me away," she said. "I think the
teens really prevent it. É We provide the place and the way and they do the work.
The center serves between eight and 12 teens a day. Chilbert said attending the center can be a delicate
balance for the students.
"When you’re dealing with this age group, things are cool or they’re not cool," said Chilbert,
who is 25, but with her petite frame clad in a sweatshirt, resembles one of her students. "You have
to really consider that middle school students are going through a gamut of stuff."
The center is also competing with sports and other clubs.
Chilbert, who is 25, has lived in Findlay since 2008 when she decided she and her 3-year-old son should
be closer to family. She has her bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from the University of
Arkansas and grew up in Oklahoma as an "Army brat."
Her director position is made possible through the United Way AmeriCorps program. She served a previous
year with AmeriCorps, which is a federal program that pays volunteers a stipend.
She’s been with the center since August, but will mostly likely step down and leave Teen Central and
AmeriCorps at the end of the semester due to requirements with the federal program.
As director, she’s responsible for everything from meeting with the board, publicizing fundraisers,
buying snacks and handling the $16,000 annual budget.
It’s a mish-mash of funding that includes lots of help from BGSU, funding from Wood County Hospital for
healthy snacks, and a Kiwanis grant that paid for computers. Bowling Green Parks and Recreation provides
the space and is known for surprises – at Christmas, the staff called to say Santa had left Teen Central
an air hockey table.
The kids themselves will help raise money with a spaghetti dinner on March 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St.
Mark’s Lutheran Church. They’ll serve the food and provide entertainment.
Tickets are $7 for adults in advance and $5 for students. At the door they will be $8 and $6. For more
information call (419) 372-9865.
On the Net:
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