Moving up to a new school can be intimidating. Teen Central wants to help. The youth center will host Step Up Day on Wednesday, June 12, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 15 S. Wolf St., Manheim.

"This event takes place right after the school year ends, and we welcome all new fifth-graders - students who have just finished elementary school and who will then be eligible to attend Teen Central - for a fun day of tie-dye, snow cones, popcorn, games, and more," said Janelle Heying, executive director of Teen Central. "This event does include a free meal as well. After this event, all new fifth graders are welcome to attend Teen Central throughout the rest of the summer along with all of our current students."

Although Step Up Day is focused on incoming fifth-graders, all students who have completed fourth through eighth grades are invited to attend. Teen Central's programming is offered to students through grade 12, but this program is specifically for middle school students, Heying explained.

"This is a great way to welcome new students who are now eligible to attend our ministry," she shared. "It gives them a glimpse into what we do here at Teen Central in a fun and inviting way."

Teen Central fulfills a need just for these kids, Heying said. "As students transition into new schools, new experiences, and new opportunities, Teen Central feels like it is important for students to find a safe space to be able to feel connected and be themselves in a supportive and loving atmosphere - a place where students can interact with friends, find a listening ear, or simply burn some energy in positive ways," she commented, adding that Teen Central aims to offer quality life experiences and spiritual development to local youths. "Our ministry can be a constant and dependable safe place for students to come to when some of the other aspects of their life are experiencing change - or when they aren't! And all of what we do is done through the love of Christ. I encourage students to come check out all of the opportunities and resources we have and to see if Teen Central can be a place for them."

Teen Central will continue its regular programming throughout June and July, along with monthly special events. The center is closed in August. All of the programming includes free time, typically filled with games, crafts, and socializing, plus a Bible study and a free meal. The organization recently hired two new employees, who will continue to strengthen the nonprofit's mission. Jordan Zimmerman is the new program director, and Shelby Summers joins Teen Central as activities coordinator.

Heying hopes new students will check out Teen Central and that students already familiar with the organization will return.

"It is our hope and prayer that our organization can be a place where youth can come to have their needs met, whether those needs are a few hours of interacting and playing games with friends, a place to come and rest during the hot summer months, or a place to provide full bellies during the break from school and beyond," she said.

For more information on Teen Central, follow the organization on Facebook or Instagram, visit https://teencentralmanheim.org, or contact Heying at janelleh@teencentralmanheim.org.