THE CLUB
The Club Teen Center, in collaboration with the Portage School of Leaders, is now open to serve youth ages 13 - 18 across our county. The Club places special emphasis on workforce development and career exploration. Programming collaborates with local industry and businesses, providing mentorship and job opportunities, empowering teenagers with practical skills and exposure to diverse career pathways.
Emotional needs of the teens is a top priority, which is why the Club offers an on-staff therapist, ensuring a nurturing space for emotional growth. The Teen Emotional Well-Being Program offers a Restorative space, "Time 2 Talk" Drop-in Consultations, Wellness Workshops, and Individual Therapy & Referrals to outside providers.
The Club aims to provide a safe place during non-traditional hours. During the week, The Club will be open until 9 pm, ensuring that teens have a supportive environment and a sense of community after the typical academic day.
The Club is home to a Future Lab, a dynamic and interdisciplinary space, fostering innovation and collaboration across various fields and giving kids real access to state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and a diverse range of career pathways, including engineering, computer science, precision machining, welding technology, healthcare and entrepreneurship.
MEET THE TEAM!
Jaraan Cornell
"The Club" Club Director
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Jaraan is a South Bend native and a graduate of Clay High School and Purdue University, where he played basketball. He has worked with youth throughout the community, as program director for Heroes Camp and a group supervisor at Safe Passage.
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Perry Minner Jr.
Emotional Well-Being Specialist
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Perry is a licensed clinical social worker and clinical addictions counselor who will serve as the Emotional Well-Being Specialist providing therapy and preventative programming at The Club. As a former Boy's Club member in Texas, Perry is excited to be part of the Boys & Girls Club movement. Perry shared that it was at the Boy's club where he learned important life skills and he is eager to give back to the teens within our organization.
Lucinda Reese
MakerSpace Program Coordinator
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Lucinda, as our STEM Coordinator and MakerSpace Manager, will coordinate and facilitate engaging hands-on STEM activities and projects within the MakerSpace environment at The Club. She will also collaborate with educators, community partners, and Club staff to incorporate STEM activities into our broader Club programming.