Youth Programs

Tolleson Teen Center

Mission Statement: The City of Tolleson Parks & Recreation Teen Center is committed to the development of programming that promotes a positive recreational environment for young people within the city.  The Teen Center looks to provide an environment where all participants regardless of sex, race, religion, and economic status feel safe and understood. 

Philosophy: The Teen Center provides a safe and supervised facility for young people to engage in educational programs and leisure activities which encourage the growth of positive self-esteem. Youth who attend are able to freely express their opinions without fear of judgement, and are encouraged to participate in the development of programming. The participants’ ages range from 12 to 18 years.

The Teen Center allows young people to drop in and participate in a variety of supervised activities. Participants are able to come and go to this program freely, and are unsupervised once they leave the program. The Teen Center will offer a wide range of activities including: sports, billiards, video games, movie nights, chat time, and guest presentations on current issues. We will offer internet access, homework assistance, peer mentoring, and educational workshops that will encourage making healthy life choices. The Teen Center will connect youth with the local community, encouraging volunteerism to make a difference. The Teen Center prides itself on being a smoke, drug and alcohol-free venue for young people to interact in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Benefits

• Young people taking advantage of the drop-in program will enjoy:
• increased physical fitness levels
• increased employment opportunities by learning résumé writing and interview skills
• getting involved in the community, thereby fostering and promoting civic engagement
• spending time with other youth in a non-judgmental environment where they feel safe
• developing leadership skills
• developing budgeting and fundraising skills through special event planning
• having their achievements recognized and celebrated
• having access to service agencies and referral services to which they may otherwise not have access

Elected Officials:

o    Alejandro Salazar, Mayor

o    Hazel Gallardo, Vice Mayor

o    Natalia Arreola, Elected Official

o    Cruz Daley, Elected Official 

o    Bryson Garrett, Elected Official 

o    Samantha Ramirez, Elected Official

o    Daviahna Velazquez, Elected Official