RJ Woodin, Donovan Sweeney and Mikala Mackesy are all involved with Avenue A, The Grapevine’s teen center in Antrim.

At the center on Tuesday, they spoke to a roundtable representing organizations and businesses around the state about art, alligators and the importance of community.

“I’ve done so many programs here,” said Mackesy, “Every program has opened my eyes to new possibilities and new ways of thinking about life.”

Avenue A offers teens a variety of structured programs such as woodworking, writing, cooking and art, and also offers open hours every Friday night where teens can socialize, play games, make art and hang out. With a staff and more than 60 volunteers, the center serves over 300 teens in 18 towns.

“We’re growing and always looking for how we can improve,” said Director of Teen Programs Jacqueline Roland.

Nathan Fink of New Hampshire Children’s Trust worked with Avenue A to create a film about the center and some of the teens who use the space and programs offered there. On Tuesday, he showed the short documentary, “Community, Belonging, Place,” to the group. 

As someone on the autism spectrum, Woodin believes the film could help other special needs teens who are struggling to step out of their comfort zone. He said they might not know him, but they might see themselves in him and be inspired.

“Just because someone has special needs doesn’t mean you can’t do this because of this,” he said.

Teens in the film spoke about how Avenue A is a safe place that brings the community together and provides a space for people to be passionate. Mackesy has immersed herself in art and writing. Sweeney’s dream is to become a professional musician, and Woodin loves all animals and imagines himself working at an animal sanctuary one day. 

“Let’s say something exciting happens and I tell Donny (Sweeney),” said Woodin. “He wants to know more.”

Sweeney said the center provides a space for learned openness and social growth. 

“When people play pool with each other they actually have conversations,” he said.

After watching the film, Ken Fox, vice president of human resources at Monadnock Paper Mills said, “This is a place you can go and not be judged.”

Harriet DiCicco, who has been involved as a volunteer with the outdoor education program, said, “It’s a basic human need of all of us to belong.” She added that Avenue A youth “created a culture and protected it.”

“Be who you are,” said new Grapevine staff member Karen Pellicano. “That’s the entire culture of the place.”

Roland said The Grapevine has been exploring programs that serve young adults.

“How do we support young people as they are transitioning out of high school?” she asked. “What’s next for them and how do they step into that? It’s hard to find a place in the community at that stage.”

The Grapevine hopes to raise its budget 10 to 15 percent next year, including adding staff and expanding programming.

“Last year, we very intentionally, with Grapevine board support, 100 percent streamlined Avenue A into The Grapevine budget,” said Roland, which means they no longer have to apply to grants separately and guarantee that the program is funded. 

Fink hopes to bring this conversation to other places around the community and state.

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