Creating a Safe Supportive Space for Steele County Teens
United Way of Steele County is excited to announce the development and opening of a new Teen Center in Owatonna; a welcoming space where young people can connect, grow, and thrive. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to youth mental health, substance use prevention, and workforce development.
Thanks to a generous CanRenew Community Restoration grant from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, we’ve secured funding to launch this project and lease a facility. The Teen Center is staffed by our dedicated UPLIFT Team and supported by the Teen Mental Health and Opioids Response teams, offering programming that meets teens where they are.
Teen Center Links and Helpful Resources:
- Teen Center Youth Participation Waiver (Online) Form *needed prior to youth's 2nd visit
- Calendar of Events (link)
Current Hours of Operation:
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
How You Can Support the Teen Center:
- Pantry Items (food and basic hygiene)
- Supplies for mental health & wellness activities
- Outreach to engage local teens
PUBLIC NOTICE: Help Protect Public Funds
Teen Center Staff:
- UWSC President and Program Manager: Annette Duncan, annette.duncan@unitedwaysteelecounty.org
- Teen Center Youth Support Specialist: Matt McLaughlin, matt.mclaughlin@unitedwaysteelecounty.org
- UPLIFT Youth Support Administrative Assistant: Emma Corbin, emma.corbin@unitedwaysteelecounty.org
- UPLIFT Youth Support Coordinators:
- Faduma Moalim, faduma.moalim@unitedwaysteelecounty.org
- Bruno Vela, bruno.vela@unitedwaysteelecounty.org
- Pearl Rendon, pearl.rendon@unitedwaysteelecounty.org
Teen Center - In The News:
* KAAL ABC 6 - United Way of Steele County receives grant towards restoring communities negatively impacted by cannabis prohibition
* Star Tribune - Minnesota awards nearly $1M in grants, the first in programs that were part of recreational marijuana law
* MPR News - Minnesota’s cannabis grant program invests in communities harmed by ‘war on drugs’
* Owatonna People's Press - United Way of Steele County moving forward with Teen Center thanks to grant
Donor Recognition:
We are deeply grateful to all individuals, businesses, and organizations who have contributed to the launch of the Teen Center. Help us keep Teen Center open after the grant funding ends. Donors will be recognized on our website, in our newsletter, and within the Teen Center facility. If you would like to make a contribution and be recognized, please contact us or make a donation using the form below. Your support is appreciated!