Photo by Kaplan Construction
It was almost a year ago that the Brookline Teen Center, 40 Aspinwall Avenue, opened its doors to Brookline teenagers as a haven and a hangout. On September 16, 2013 a decade-long dream was realized.
But there is still more work to be done, according to Matthew Cooney, Executive Director of the BTC. “We want to introduce more programming—classes, health & wellness workshops, tutoring, SAT prep courses. We want to help teens find jobs,” said Cooney, a slim man with short grey hair whose personality is both easy-going and focused. Since before the BTC opened, Cooney, a father of three who was hired in 2012, has worn many hats on an essentially skeleton crew—acting as planner, construction supervisor, coach—whatever part was necessary to get a job done.
Opening the Brookline Teen Center last year was “like building a ship and sailing it at the same time.” Cooney admits the first year was hectic—as it would be for any new venture. But the payoff is the positive reaction from the parents and teens, especially when they first tour the open, high-ceilinged industrial-looking space, with its fitness center, gymnasium with half-court basketball, two-lane candlepin bowling alley, recording studio, game room, café, and deck. Beyond the leisure time offerings, there are also academic classrooms and computers upstairs.
The BTC currently has about 400 members. It’s a pay-what-you-can membership model; the suggested annual membership fee is $200. Cooney said that teenagers were skeptical at first: why would they want to go to a teen center when they can hang with their friends at each others’ houses or on their school campus? But once they entered the BTC and saw what it had to offer, their attitude changed.
It helps that teens themselves are also behind the scenes running the show. A teen board was formed to help brainstorm ideas for new program offerings, equipment, and to make sure the look and feel of the space felt right for them. For example, the board voted to change out some of the gym equipment to allow for more squat racks, power racks, and free weights and less cardio machines.
In September the teen board will reconvene; among other things they’ll discuss events that have an even broader appeal. Cooney said they’re eyeing “more rigorous teaching in the recording studio and software for digital composition” as well as more courses in general.
“The teen board is going to be more instrumental than ever in pushing the next stage of our development.”
Cooney’s background includes running programs for kids with disabilities. He believes that the BTC serves a vital purpose in the Brookline community.
“The high school years are a vulnerable time—no matter what your background. Teens need more support as they become independent. They need a safe venue with great social and exponential learning opportunities.” If a teen is struggling with a personal issue, the BTC staff supports them to help them make better choices or refers them to the right person for assistance (The BTC is partnered with the Brookline Community Mental Health Center, where teens are referred if they have more serious problems such as mental or substance abuse issues.)
According to Cooney what the BTC needs now is increased awareness about the space, more volunteers, and, not least of all, additional funding. In order to help defray expenses, in addition to membership fees the BTC is rented out for big events like end-of-year sports team banquets and retreats like July’s BHS Innovation Summit for teachers. Fund-raising events open to both teens and adults, such as a live music series, are currently under discussion.
“We’ve had tremendous support this first year,” Cooney said. “We have an amazing staff and youth workers who really care about the teen center. We welcome people to come in and see the space—introduce themselves and take a tour.”
For more information about the BTC, including membership, rentals, or to make a donation, email info@brooklineteencenter.org or call 617-396-8349.
—By Jennifer Campaniolo
