The Glen Allen Project (GAP) hosted a Parent-Shared Leadership workshop where families explored civic engagement and identified real needs in the community. One need rose to the top: A safe, welcoming place for teens to hang out, create, and connect. Parents suggested that the GAP could give teens a safe, fun, supervised place to be themselves after school.
Hours:
- Monday: 3 – 5 PM
- Tues–Fri: 4 – 6 PM
- These times support both middle and high school students. Irving Middle School already has a bus stop near the GAP, making access even easier.
The vibe: positive, supervised, low-pressure, and teen-centered.
A mix of fun, creativity, and community:
- Games & e-sports
- Maker space projects (crafts, STEM, hands-on building)
- Creative activities
- Mentors & volunteers include retired community members excited to help
- A safe place to meet friends and unwind
Staffing & Safety:
- Two adults on site at all times
- One paid staff member (with background check)
- One intern or volunteer
- Clear supervision and safety guidelines developed by the committee.
Committee & Collaborators:
- Sarah O’Banion — Director, Family Services Alliance
- Megan Mae Anderson – Librarian and Parent
- Jilynn Landvik – Parent and Board Member, Glen Allen Project
- Denis Clijsters – Parent and Board Member, Glen Allen Project
- Ashley Shaffner - Regional Hub Coordinator, Idaho STEM Ecosystem
- Julie Wells — Parent; contractor with Health and Welfare
- Ruta Casabianca — Parent; workshop organizer
- Chris Cole — Counselor, Department of Public Health
Mission Alignment:
This project supports the mission of Parent Shared Leadership: To educate, support, and organize parents as leaders who strengthen families and build healthy communities.
For more information or to RSVP, contact: Ruta Casabianca — rcasabianca1@gmail.com
Social media and other place to connect GAP:
https://glenallenarts.org/
https://www.facebook.com/TheGlenAllenProject
Insta @glenallenproject
