The Jefferson Teen Center, a non-profit after-school program on the Chimacum High School campus, marked the end of the school year by unveiling a patchwork student mural June 13.

Teen Center Director Shayann Hoffer-Pauley explained the group-produced mural was the result of two months’ worth of work, in celebration of upgrades to the center paid for with a grant from the East Jefferson County Rotary Club.

Hoffer-Pauley said it enabled the center to add three new computers, an assortment of new folding tables, chairs, couches and shelving. The Rotary funds also paid for ramp repairs, group cleanups and healthy snacks.

Although the Teen Center can always use further support, Hoffer-Pauley noted the significant strides it had made since January of 2018, when its staff announced the center’s imminent closure.

Former Teen Center Director Terri Murphy Naughton said that news generated a last-minute donation that allowed the center’s doors to remain open until the end of the school year.

“And now, the Teen Center is thriving, due to the continuous support of our community,” Hoffer-Pauley said.

The Teen Center currently averages a core of 15 students every weekday afternoon, who relish the center’s snacks, arts and crafts, music, computers and ample opportunities for them to spend time with their friends, according to Hoffer-Pauley.

“We have been surveying the students to get feedback, and have been hearing that many of them rely on the Teen Center to be open after school, so they won’t have to go home to an empty house,” Hoffer-Pauley said. “They have enjoyed piano lessons with musician Paul Rogers and art activities with artist Becky Taylor and other volunteers.”

Hoffer-Pauley eagerly anticipates the next school year’s enrichment programs expanding to cover even more arts, music, computer programming and clubs.

The Teen Center is still looking for local support, not only to sustain its existing operations, but also to increase its operating hours.

“We need $20,000 by December to make our yearly budget,” Hoffer-Pauley said. “These funds are expected to come from our major foundation donors, our upcoming annual fundraising letter, and other fundraising activities.”

The Teen Center is also in need of more volunteers and board members.

“Volunteer qualifications would include experience working with teens,” Hoffer-Pauley said. “A focus in specialty areas is encouraged, but not required. We process a background check for all of our volunteers working with our youth.”

Board member qualifications would include fundraising experience, grant writing and community outreach.

Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 126, Port Hadlock, WA 98339.

For more information, go to jeffersonteencenter.org or email shayann_hoffer@yahoo.com.