News Release distributed via e-mail

Department of Community and Recreation Services
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1050
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
703-324-5641, TTY 711, Fax 703-222-9792
Patricia L. McClenic, Public Information Officer
DCRS@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec

September 24, 2008

Teen Centers Recruiting Teen Action Planners (TAP)

The Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services Teen Services Division is recruiting middle-school and high-school youth to serve as planners for their local teen centers. Beginning October 7 through 10, 2008, CRS Teen Centers will be interviewing youth and young adults for positions as Teen Action Planners (TAP). As a TAP, young people will have the opportunity to give their prospective on teen services and programs, gain valuable leadership skills, and get involved in planning and implementing activities and programs at their local teen centers. In addition, TAP members will be charged with identifying youth issues in their specific community and helping to develop strategies through teen service activities and programs to help solve these issues. Selected youth will receive a stipend of $100 for the year.

Last year, the TAP program was successfully piloted at the Hideaway Teen Center located in the South County Government Center. Nine youth were selected to participate in the program. The TAP identified AIDS/HIV awareness as need of teens in their community and implemented a workshop around this topic. They also implemented dances, cookouts, and provided feedback on monthly activities and programs.

Individuals interested in becoming a Teen Action Planners should contact their local teen center. Participating centers are listed below. For additional information about the TAP program, please contact Division Program Manager Sekenia Welch at 703-704-6224, TTY 711. For other program information visit our website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec.

The Chill Spot Teen Center
At James Lee Community Center
2855- A Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22044
703-534-3387 ext. 207, TTY 711
Program Manager: Jessica Esparza

The Reston Teen Center
12196 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, VA 20190
703-326-7055, TTY 711
Program Manager: Jonathan Melendez

Mott Community Center
1211 Braddock Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-278-8605, TTY 711
Program Coordinator: Chris Goldbecker

The Net Teen Center
At Irving Middle School
8100 Old Keene Mill Road
Springfield, VA 225152
703-912-4687, TTY 711
Program Manager: Torrey Piper

###

Fairfax County is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in all county programs, services and activities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. To request special accommodations call 703-324-4FUN (4386), TTY 711. Please allow ten working days in advance of the event in order to make the necessary arrangements.