Mission:

Our mission is to promote healthy lifestyle choices by exposing teenagers to nutritious foods, encouraging consistent physical activity, modeling appropriate social behaviors, and providing opportunities for academic and overall enrichment.

Programs

Kids Cafe:

Through a partnership with the Vermont Foodbank, the Underground provides free and nutritious meals three nights a week to all Teen Center members. Campus Kitchen volunteers from the University of Vermont and St. Michael’s College prepare meals alongside teenagers and cook everything from pizza and tacos to chili and lasagna. Over 100 individual meals are served each week to members and the site has become a popular location for consistent meals

Get To Work!

To encourage academic success and other areas of enrichment, the Underground offers this structured program Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:00-6:30. During this time, teens must be doing something productive, whether they choose to do homework, work on their resume, apply for jobs, or plan Teen Center events. Staff and volunteers are available for homework tutoring and assisting in other projects & tasks.

Fitness for Life

Teenagers are encouraged to be active while at the Underground. Through a partnership with the YMCA, members are able to use the gymnasium every Friday night for basketball, dodgeball, and other physical activities. In addition, teens participate in an indoor soccer league at Far Post Soccer Club in Essex Junction every Tuesday throughout the winter and early spring.







View Larger Map