Exploring Austin's Historic 17 House
A Landmark of Texas Architecture
Austin17House stands as a beacon of hope and community in Brentwood, New Hampshire. This youth and family center emerged from tragedy, born out of a father's vision to create something positive after losing his 17-year-old son, Austin, in a car accident. Austin17House provides a safe, welcoming space where young people can connect, grow, and receive support.
Located at 263 Route 125, the center offers a range of programs and activities designed to foster creativity and personal development. Open four days a week, Austin17House invites youth to drop in, make friends, and enjoy free meals. The center's commitment to building community is evident in its daily dinners, where everyone comes together to share food and conversation.
Austin17House relies on a network of volunteers and community support to fulfill its mission. Since its inception in 2017, the center has become a vital resource for local youth, offering after-school programs and a place where they can feel heard and celebrated. Through its dedication to making a difference differently, Austin17House continues to transform grief into positive change for the Brentwood community.
Background and Mission
Austin17House emerged from personal tragedy to become a vibrant community center for youth and families in Brentwood, NH. Its founding principles, visionary leadership, and commitment to fostering connections have shaped its impactful mission.
Founding Principles
Austin17House was born out of grief following the tragic loss of 17-year-old Austin Anderson in a car crash on December 3, 2016. His father, Mark Anderson, made a pivotal decision at Austin's wake to create a safe space for young people to connect and thrive.
The center's core principles revolve around providing a welcoming environment where youth feel heard, celebrated, and supported. It aims to bridge generational gaps and strengthen family bonds through shared experiences and open communication.
Austin17House offers free meals, activities, and a drop-in space four days a week. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and community among its participants.
Lindsey Messina's Vision
Lindsey Messina, a key figure in Austin17House's development, brought her vision of creating a nurturing space for youth to the organization. Her ideas helped shape the center's inclusive atmosphere and diverse programming.
Messina emphasized the importance of providing resources and support for families alongside youth services. This holistic approach aims to address the interconnected needs of young people and their support systems.
Her vision also includes fostering mentorship opportunities and intergenerational connections within the community. These initiatives help bridge gaps and create a more cohesive support network for Brentwood's youth.
Mark Anderson's Leadership
Mark Anderson, Austin's father and the driving force behind Austin17House, has played a crucial role in the center's establishment and growth. His leadership style combines personal experience with a deep commitment to serving the community.
Anderson's approach prioritizes creating a safe, judgment-free zone where young people can express themselves freely. He actively seeks input from youth and community members to ensure the center remains responsive to evolving needs.
Under Anderson's guidance, Austin17House has expanded its reach and impact. The center has formed partnerships with local organizations and businesses to enhance its offerings and sustainability.
Brentwood Community Involvement
Austin17House actively engages with the Brentwood community through various programs and initiatives. The organization fosters strong connections with families, local partners, and volunteers to create a supportive environment for youth.
Family Engagement
Austin17House recognizes the importance of family involvement in youth development. The center hosts regular family dinners, providing a space for parents and children to connect over shared meals. These gatherings strengthen family bonds and promote open communication.
Special events and workshops cater to the whole family, addressing topics such as parenting skills and family dynamics. The organization also offers counseling services to support families facing challenges.
Parents are encouraged to participate in their children's activities at the center, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Local Partnerships
Austin17House collaborates with numerous Brentwood businesses and organizations to enhance its services. Local schools work closely with the center to provide after-school programs and tutoring support.
Partnerships with mental health professionals ensure access to counseling services for youth in need. The center also teams up with local sports clubs and arts organizations to offer diverse activities.
Community leaders and law enforcement agencies contribute their expertise through educational talks and mentorship programs. These partnerships help create a comprehensive support network for Brentwood's young people.
Volunteer Programs
Volunteers form the backbone of Austin17House's operations. The center offers various opportunities for community members to get involved, from tutoring to event planning.
Mentorship programs pair experienced adults with youth for guidance and support
Skills workshops led by volunteers teach practical life skills
Administrative roles help with day-to-day operations
Volunteer training sessions ensure all helpers are well-prepared to work with youth. The center's Board of Directors, comprised of dedicated community members, oversees strategic planning and fundraising efforts.
Recognition events celebrate the contributions of volunteers, fostering a sense of appreciation and continued engagement. This strong volunteer network allows Austin17House to expand its reach and impact in Brentwood.
Programs and Services
Austin17House offers a diverse range of programs aimed at youth development, creativity, and wellness. These initiatives provide valuable skills and support for young people in the community.
Arts and Education
Austin17House prioritizes creative expression and learning opportunities. Art classes allow youth to explore various mediums and techniques. Educational programs focus on essential life skills and academic support. Culinary arts workshops teach cooking fundamentals and nutrition basics. The center also offers gardening classes, introducing participants to sustainable food production methods.
Youth can engage in writing workshops, music lessons, and digital media projects. These activities foster self-expression and build confidence. Volunteers and local experts often lead specialized workshops in areas like photography or graphic design.
Wellness Initiatives
Physical and mental health are key focus areas at Austin17House. The center's gymnasium hosts various fitness activities, including team sports and individual exercise programs. Zumba classes provide a fun, energetic workout option for participants of all skill levels.
Mindfulness and stress reduction workshops help youth develop coping strategies. Nutrition education complements the culinary program, promoting healthy eating habits. The center also offers grief support groups, providing a safe space for young people to process loss and emotions.
Youth Development
Austin17House emphasizes personal growth and life skills. Leadership programs encourage youth to take initiative and develop organizational abilities. Mentorship opportunities connect young people with positive role models in the community.
Job readiness workshops cover resume writing, interview skills, and workplace etiquette. Financial literacy classes teach budgeting and saving strategies. The Fight Club 17 program supports youth in recovery, fostering resilience and peer support.
Confidence-building activities are integrated throughout all programs. Team projects and public speaking opportunities help youth develop communication skills and self-assurance.
Events and Activities
Austin17House hosts a variety of engaging events and activities for youth. These offerings focus on creativity, community building, and personal growth.
Creative Workshops
Austin17House regularly organizes creative workshops to nurture artistic talents. These sessions cover various mediums like painting, music, and digital arts. Local artists often lead classes, sharing techniques and insights.
Participants can explore new skills or refine existing ones in a supportive environment. The workshops aim to boost confidence and self-expression through creativity.
Special events showcase youth artwork, giving participants a platform to display their creations. These exhibitions celebrate artistic achievements and inspire others.
Community Gatherings
Austin17House fosters a strong sense of community through regular gatherings. Movie nights bring youth together for entertainment and discussion. Game nights feature board games, video games, and team-building activities.
Seasonal celebrations mark important dates on the calendar. These events often include themed decorations, refreshments, and group activities.
Community service projects encourage youth to give back. Participants work together on initiatives that benefit the local area, developing leadership skills and civic engagement.
Support Groups
Austin17House provides crucial support through targeted group sessions. Fight Club 17 offers a safe space for young people seeking recovery from addiction. This program combines peer support with professional guidance.
Mental health groups address common challenges faced by youth. Topics include stress management, anxiety, and building resilience.
Career exploration sessions help participants plan for their futures. These groups discuss education options, job search strategies, and interview skills.
Life skills workshops cover practical topics like financial literacy, healthy cooking, and time management. These sessions equip youth with valuable tools for independent living.
Membership and Support
Austin 17 House offers free membership and relies on community support to provide its services. The organization welcomes new members and appreciates donations to sustain its mission.
Joining Austin 17 House
Becoming a member of Austin 17 House is simple and free. Youth aged 11-18 can drop in during open hours to participate in activities and access support services. No formal registration is required. New members are welcome to create an account on the website for updates and event information.
The center is open 4 days a week, providing a safe space for teens to socialize and engage in creative arts, wellness, and life skills programs. Members can enjoy free meals and connect with peers in a supportive environment.
Donations and Contributions
Austin 17 House operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and depends on community support to maintain its free services. Individuals and businesses can contribute through various means:
Personal donations
Business sponsorships
Charitable giving
Financial contributions help fund free meals, educational workshops, and suicide prevention programs. Donors can support specific initiatives or make general contributions to the organization's operating costs.
The center also welcomes in-kind donations and volunteer support. Community members can contribute their time and skills to help run programs or assist with administrative tasks.
Impact Stories
Austin17House has profoundly affected individuals and the broader community. Personal accounts highlight transformative experiences, while collective efforts have led to positive changes in Brentwood.
Personal Testimonials
Brayden's story exemplifies Austin17House's life-changing impact. The 21-year-old found support at the center in 2019 after struggling with mental health issues and multiple suicide attempts.
Through Austin17House programs, Brayden gained confidence and resilience. He developed coping skills and formed meaningful connections with peers and mentors.
Other youth have shared similar experiences of growth and healing. Many credit the center with providing a safe space to express themselves and work through challenges.
Community Improvement
Austin17House emerged from tragedy, transforming grief into a force for good. Mark Anderson founded the center after losing his 17-year-old son Austin in a car accident.
The community rallied behind the project, with 170 people raising $11,000 through GoFundMe. This grassroots support demonstrates the center's importance to Brentwood residents.
Austin17House offers programs addressing youth mental health, substance abuse prevention, and personal development. These initiatives fill crucial gaps in local services.
The center has become a hub for young people to connect, learn, and grow. Its presence has strengthened community bonds and provided hope to families facing similar struggles.
Contact Information
Austin17House provides multiple ways to get in touch and stay connected. They offer both traditional communication methods and an active social media presence.
Getting in Touch
Austin17House can be reached via email at [email protected] For those who prefer phone calls, the center's number is 603-770-6374. Their physical address is 263 Route 125, Brentwood, NH, located inside Grace Ministries.
The youth center encourages visitors to stop by during their operating hours. They are open four days a week, providing a safe space for young people to drop in, socialize, and enjoy a free meal.
For inquiries about specific programs or services, contacting them directly is recommended. They aim to respond promptly to all communications.
Social Media Presence
Austin17House maintains an active Facebook page under the name "Austin17House". The page has over 2,000 likes and regularly shares updates about events, programs, and community activities.
Their Facebook presence allows followers to stay informed about upcoming events and see photos from recent gatherings. It also serves as a platform for community engagement and support.
For those who may have trouble accessing their Facebook account, the platform offers account recovery options. Austin17House's website also provides links to their social media profiles for easy access.
How to Get Involved
Austin17House thrives on community support and offers multiple ways for individuals to contribute. Volunteers play a crucial role in daily operations, while fundraising events help sustain programs and services.
Volunteer Opportunities
Austin17House welcomes dedicated individuals to join their team of volunteers. Opportunities include assisting with daily activities, mentoring youth, and helping prepare meals. Volunteers can sign up for regular shifts or one-time events. The center needs support in areas like tutoring, activity planning, and facility maintenance. Interested parties can contact Austin17House directly to learn about current openings and application processes. Training is provided to ensure volunteers are well-prepared to work with youth and families.
Fundraising and Events
Supporting Austin17House financially is another impactful way to get involved. The organization hosts various fundraising events throughout the year. These may include:
Annual galas
Community dinners
Silent auctions
Charity runs or walks
Individuals can participate by attending events, donating items, or sponsoring activities. For those unable to attend in person, Austin17House accepts online donations through their website. They also encourage supporters to organize their own fundraisers, such as bake sales or car washes, with proceeds benefiting the center's programs.
