(1) budget cuts affecting 'after school' programs

(2) a teen population from three very different communities: suburban Woodbridge, country Bethany, and urban Orange

(3) a lack of a reliable and appealing 'safe-haven' facility (where teens 'would want to go' to'hang' with their friends leaving parents/ caretakers feeling secure in knowing their kids are safe.  

(4) High School parties had little or no supervision, and 

(5) Religious and Community programs, unfortunate for our teens, did not fill the void.

The actual catalyst for action (founding of the ATC) came in 1986 as the result of two tragedies:

- A party in Woodbridge that went out of control, leaving one teen beaten to death 

- An incident resulting in a carload of area teens perishing when their car crashed into a reservoir

Shortly after those two tragedies, the First Selectmen of Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge (BOW) convened to found the Amity Teen Center, Inc.

The following year, in 1987, the Town of Orange donated the use of a town-owned building where the ATC could call 'home'.  The ATC, then called “Club 355” in an attempt to draw teen attention, grew in popularity filling the building to its max. capacity (105) on band nights (with a line of anxious teens waiting outside).  Unfortunately, our teens lost their Teen Centerin 1996 when the Town of Orange decided to demolished the building to build a new firehouse.

From their eviction in 1996 until September 2006, the ATC 'bounced between gracious 'temporary-use offers' of public buildings from all three Amity towns (Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge) on an as-needed, available-space, scheduled-event temporary basis.  In return for the ATC's venue inconsistency - teens felt as if their 'social needs'' were being over-looked and their “sense of home-away" had been stolen; which in turn significantly decreased the frequency and consistency of activities, thus attendance.

In addition, because the temporary venues (though very much appreciated) were shared-space, it was impossible to provide more than one event or activity at a given time; not to mention housing for any equipment (sound systems for dances, TV's, video game systems) required (free) storage, transportation and constant setup at each temporary event location.

The 'facility-void' made it impossible to engage enthusiastic community action or peer mentoring/ leadership programs proven to be essential components any successful teen center, not to mention carrying out the original Mission of the ATC's founding fathers (and mothers).

 During this 'uncertain time' the three Amity First Selectmen set-up a 15 member tri-town Collaborative Committee including representatives from various youth services, parent groups, school administrators and one member of the Board of Selectmen from each Town.

The Collaborative Committee embarked on a two year Needs Assessment Study, which concluded there was an immediate need for a place available to teens on a regular basis.

This 'need' has also been evidenced on a National level.  In various studies from 1999-2006, starting with a Columbia University Study.  Dr. Suniya Luthar demonstrated that suburban teens are 'two to three times more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety' and 'far more likely to use alcohol and drugs than their inner-city peers'.

After a long, difficult search, a suitable building for a teen center was found.  A HUGE volunteer effort involving teens and adults from all sectors of the tri-town area provided manpower for demolition and remodeling, in-kind goods and services and extended fundraising.  In September of 2006 the ATC proudly re-opened its doors (in an 8,000 sq. ft. building in Woodbridge - formerly a bowling alley).

After struggling for a few years, today’s ATC has ample space for all its programs, including space for teen art exhibits, plays & concerts, pool table, a large video game areas and a fully equipped and networked computer room (for staying up to date with emails and “facebook”).

The newfound facility enables kids to have dances, benefit shows, or simply “chill” with friends. To top it off, an internet café was installed for convenience to offer kids in-house sustenance. A (recently installed) beautiful new outdoor basketball court/ recreation area (secured by a 12' tall chainlink fence) was constructed - offering kids the 'stir-crazy' energy relief.

The ATC is now open six days a week - proudly continuing its mission: 'Provide a safe-haven place for kids to hang out and be themselves'.  Extra space has been remodeled into rental space, with all proceeds used to defray ATC operating costs

Please call us at 203 - 389 - 1154 or email us.
The ATC offers pickup of donations at your convenience.

Thank You !!