The Teen Lounge: A Space Just for Teens, Built by Listening

At Martha’s Table, we believe lasting impact begins with listening, and the Teen Lounge is a powerful result of that commitment. Shaped by the ideas and insights shared at our Teen Summit in the fall of 2023, this welcoming space was built directly from the voices of our teens. 

Teens and families in our community expressed that there were limited spaces tailored for older youth, and we responded by creating the Teen Lounge—a safe, engaging space where they could meet friends, try new activities, and have a voice. Open Monday through Friday, the Teen Lounge offers just that—a safe spot for teens to relax, connect, explore, and belong.

“Growing up, I didn’t have the opportunity to go somewhere and do homework, so I feel like it’s a good thing to have the Teen Lounge! Seeing the teens coming in, being happy, and learning together is so fun. I really like the teen art!” Emaney, Teen Lounge & Global Passport Participant.

Something New Every Day: Programming that Inspires

• Monday Motivation: Tutoring and Homework Help
  Start the week with Tutoring and Homework Help in partnership with Hearts of Empowerment. This program provides students with the support they need in a welcoming space that makes learning more accessible.
• Creative Tuesdays: Art and Garden Wellness Hour
  Art and Garden Wellness Hour is a favorite on Tuesdays! Teens get a chance to unwind, create art, and spend time in the garden, exploring their creativity and connecting with nature.
• Workshop Wednesdays: Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and More
  We offer a range of workshops where teens can dive into essential skills for future success. Themes include financial literacy, entrepreneurship, career exploration, digital skills, mental wellness, leadership development, and more. 
  
• Teen Thursdays: Your Ideas, Your Lounge
  Thursdays are all about giving teens a voice to shape their lounge. Here, they can share ideas, provide feedback, and help shape future Martha’s Table programming.
• Fun Fridays: A Great Way to Kick Back
  In partnership with Project Create, we end the week on a high note with Fun Fridays! Teens can join movie nights, field trips, and other activities that make Fridays an exciting time to relax and recharge.

A Place Teens Can Call Their Own

Erin, a 17-year-old who visits the Lounge, shares, “I like that I have a place I can just go to. If I want to make art, I can do that. If I want to just talk, I can do that. If I want to see friends, I can do that.” Erin’s words capture what makes this space unique—it’s flexible, fun, and designed for teens, by teens. 

“We’re incredibly proud of the impact it’s having on local teens. As we move forward, we’ll keep listening, learning, and building together because we know that creating lasting change is an ongoing process.” Rachel Angle, Youth Development Manager at Martha’s Table. 

Listening to Our Community

The Teen Lounge is one of many ways we listen and respond to our community. By partnering with youth and families, we create youth-led programs that build on their strengths, support their dreams, and open doors to new opportunities. 

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