A Little History
In 1997, Governor Angus King introduced Communities for Children, a new Maine initiative. He asked communities to come together to improve environments for young people of all ages. A group of teens and adults in Augusta, Maine joined forces to help create a safe place where teens could hang out. The group called itself “Capital Kids/ Augusta Communities for Children.”
Our Humble Beginnings
In the fall of 1999, Capital Kids was offered space for a teen center in an aging building in downtown Augusta. The grotto-style space had formerly been home to Guido’s, an Italian restaurant and area landmark for many years. Teens from several area schools helped clean and prepare the space for the official opening on New Year's Eve of 2000. A contest was held to determine the name of the new teen center in Augusta and it soon became known as “The Edge.”
Capital Kids was fortunate to secure some federal and state grants to help the organization sustain itself and develop programs. Many community leaders lent their support and/or encouragement: Rob Gordon of the United Way, Ken Walsh of the Waterville Boys & Girls Club, Attorney Jon Doyle and others. Eventually, the organization decided to assume the identity of a non-traditional Boys and Girls Club.
A New Relationship, A New Space
In 2004, Capital Kids forged a relationship with Spurwink, a behavioral health and educational non-profit organization centered in Portland, Maine. Spurwink acquired the Augusta Boys and Girls Club for Teens, thus offering support in finance, administrative services and human resources. In 2006, through the efforts of Spurwink, a mental health license was acquired which allowed the organization to broaden services and increase sustainable income. A major step in the Augusta Boys & Girls Club’s growth took place in 2006 when a new, bigger, brighter space was opened at the Buker Center on 22 Armory Street in Augusta. This is the current home of the teen center.
That Brings Us To Today
The Augusta Boys and Girls Club for Teens wouldn’t be in existence today without the dedication and leadership of Kathi Wall, one of its founders, and the interest and support of many community members who have lent a helping hand along the way. To date, over 950 teenagers have become members and have utilized the teen center in a variety of ways. For these teens, the Augusta Boys & Girls Club has been a special place where they could learn something new, give back to the community, set goals and meet new friends.
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