Issaquah teen cafe seeks volunteers to help open Sammamish branch
Cafe. Hangout space. Counseling center. Those are just some ways to describe The Garage, a multi-use space designated exclusively for teens near downtown Issaquah.
The space is set up with its clientele in mind. As the door to The Garage opens, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the colorful artwork on the walls and the plush couches sprawled out on the floor. Fairy lights string across the ceiling and tables are occupied by teens doing homework, laughing, and crafting art projects.
Run as a non-profit organization and sponsored by the City of Issaquah, The Garage has announced plans to eventually open up a space in the Sammamish Town Center development in a few years. In the meantime, they are looking for a temporary space to offer some programming in Sammamish.
Since opening in Sept. 2018, their mission has always been to create a safe and inclusive space for teens to hang out with friends, play games, and do homework.
The Garage offers teens a number of programs and activities. Some of these events include open mic nights and movie marathons. Through the Teens 4 Teens committee, The Garage gives teens a voice and control over this programming.
They also provide support for teens with their two counselors and one case manager. All services, including food and drinks, case management, and counseling, are free of charge.
According to Tiana Parry, The Garage’s program director, the push to open up a new space in Sammamish is meant to give local teens more accessibility to The Garage’s services.
Sammamish City Council has been supportive of efforts to develop a Sammamish branch of The Garage. Deputy Mayor Karen Howe and Councilmember Sid Gupta visited their Issaquah location in March.
“What particularly stuck out to me was how much control the teens had,” Gupta said.
Gupta believes The Garage could have a positive impact for the 5,000 students who go to high school within city limits.
“It feels like there is a tremendous opportunity for this kind of community space on the Plateau,” said Gupta.
To provide Sammamish teens with a personalized experience, The Garage has been looking to put together a Sammamish chapter of the Teens 4 Teens committee to help make decisions that will lead to the eventual opening of a Sammamish branch.
“The Sammamish Teens 4 Teens will help us make decisions about the Sammamish Garage location like what kind of games, activities, instruments, food & drinks, art supplies, etc. that teens want to see at the Sammamish Garage,” said Parry.
They are looking for up to 15 teens who can participate in an hour-long meeting once a month, and attend one planned event each month, to kickstart this project.
The Garage is located at 235 1st Ave SE in Issaquah. For more information, please visit their website. For information about joining the Sammamish Teens 4 Teens committee, please contact Program Director Tiana Parry at tiana@issaquahteencafe.org.
