In 2023, BRACC began exploring ideas and solutions in response to our community assessment results around the challenges faced by our local youth today. After looking at all the data together, including the 2021 YRBS, the discussions at the VT Youth Opportunity forums, and qualitative feedback from the Chester community– we found there was a collective consensus on the need for a “third space” for teen-aged youth in this area.

From a prevention lens, we see a place like this as an opportunity to address root cause of substance use and reduce risk factors in teens who feel isolated, or like they don’t matter to the community, and who could benefit from having a safe space to socialize, be creative, start clubs, or just decompress outside of home and school.