Erika Strauss Chavarria, Rene Buckmon and Saquan Maxwell (pictured left to right) are joining forces to bring new programming to CA’s Youth & Teen Center in Oakland Mills.

Peace circles, mentorships and a pilot violence prevention program are just a few of the awesome initiatives kicking off this winter at the Youth & Teen Center.

It’s all thanks to CA’s exciting new partnership with Columbia Community Care (CCC), which is focused on bringing new, impactful programming to young people in the community. 

“Partnerships are an integral part of how we show up for our community,” Youth & Teen Center Manager Rene Buckmon said. “I know the addition of CCC programming will expand our ability to meet Columbia’s youth where they are and help them in meaningful ways.”

Better together

CA’s Youth & Teen Center, located at The Barn in Oakland Mills, is home to a wide variety of programs. This includes a daily drop-in program where teens and pre-teens have a safe and welcoming place to go after school, plus activities like cooking clubs, art classes and leadership development opportunities.  

The Youth & Teen Center also partners with organizations like 4H, the Howard County Public Library System, the Howard County Police Department and NAMI Howard County to bring STEAM programming, chess tournaments and mental health discussions to the facility.

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