CLINTON — The Vault executive director Tammy Wilson recently talked to Mark Jontry, superintendent of the Regional Office of Education 17 on his ROE 17 podcast.

Wilson talked to Jontry about the  history of the teen center and what the center does. 

“Our founder, Michelle Witzke, realized there wasn’t anything in Clinton for teens to do,” Wilson said.  “We had a lot of teens who were just hanging around the square or gathering in parking lots.”

“She really had a heart for teens and wanted to have a safe space where they could not only hang out but …learn skills and get the knowledge that they could become productive and successful,” Wilson said.

Wilson said Witke wanted the kids who used the center to know they had value and purpose.

The Vault hosts a wide variety of fun activities for teens but also what Wilson referred to as “enrichment classes.” 

“We call them after hours programs,” Wilson said.

Kids can enjoy the space with some of the many games and activities provided but classes that teach kids skills.  The enrichment classes include things like culinary arts, self-defense, yoga and art classes, among others.  Wilson said it makes it possible for kids to possibly tap into skills they didn’t know they had.

“That opens up a whole new world for them,” she said.  A lot of our kids don’t necessarily have direction from home, they may be struggling with their grades in school, so there are a lot of things we can offer them.”

Vault volunteers also can help kids at the center with tutoring and homework help.

The Golden Gears Café, located inside The Vault, currently has 28 students learning small business, customer service and culinary skills.  One of the students is learning management skills as manager of the café.  Some kids are part of an ambassador program, representing The Vault at the center and also at school helping other students.

“As they’re out in the community as well,” Wilson said.

Listen to the full podcast on The Vault’s Facebook page.