Hartland in Hindsight #15- Hartland HERO Teen Center
In the fall of 2012, Hartland teens needed a hero. Instead, they got a HERO. The Hartland Enrichment and Recreation Organization (HERO) was formed for the exclusive purpose of opening a teen center for Hartland youth. Hartland teacher Kay Fountain first brought the vision for a teen center to the Township Board after seeing students in our own community looking for connection. She continually saw youth hanging out on school campuses long after classes and other programs were over. These students wanted a place where they could connect. Fountain had just the place in mind.
With its walkability to both the middle school and high school, Fountain set her sights on the old township hall. At the time, the building had been sitting vacant and Fountain knew it would be the perfect location for a new teen center.
Like any true hero, Fountain is quick to share the credit, “I saw the need and had the idea, but the Teen Center would have never been fully realized without the integral role played by many others.
From the moment I approached Hartland Township Board members, they became champions for the cause. The township offered not only funding and building usage, but key members offered advice and guidance as I started a non-profit and renovated the building- tasks I never would have attempted on my own.”
From the time the Teen Center opened in October of 2012, it has provided local students opportunities to improve their educational and recreational pursuits. Directors aim to keep the activities “teen-driven” as they seek to listen and give the students a voice in planning programs. Guest speakers and teachers are often welcomed in as the students learn new skills and hobbies.
And as it creates a sense of place for our youth, it also gives them a venue to be more involved in their community. Through the Teen Center, students give back by volunteering in service projects, such as face painting at the Creekside Fun Fair, helping at Cromaine summer programs, and serving food at the Hartland Family Winterfest.
Hartland Board Member Joe Petrucci was an early advocate of the HERO Teen Center project. As he came along Kay, he had a clear vision of what a teen center could offer our township. “Not only does the HERO Teen Center fill an immediate need for our community youth by giving them a sociable atmosphere in a safe environment, but it also fills a long-term goal. When we invest in our youth we invest in the future of our community!”
