That Place for Teens holds bike fixing program

BRUNSWICK — That Place for Teens held its Wrench N Ride event where teenagers fixed donated bikes that then became theirs to keep Tuesday. Stacey Stender, Brunswick area director of ministry, said this is the second year of the program. At the start of the two-part session, each teenager selects a used bike that has been donated. That Place for Teens has been asking for bikes that are no longer being used for about a year. "We've been blessed by some great donations and bikes to keep us going," she said. Volunteers then teach specific skills to fix the bikes, such as removing and repairing tires, adjusting seats and handlebars and changing the brakes. Giving a teenager a bike also gives them independence by allowing them to go places on their own, Stender said. Teaching them to repair a bike makes them learn a life skill. Additionally, the teenagers develop relationships with the volunteers who work there. "That's at the heart of why we exist," she said. "We exist to meet the needs of teens and their families, so that we can act as an example and demonstrate love (and) show kindness. We demonstrate love by meeting needs." Teenagers gain self-confidence and feel accomplished after they finish the program, Stender said. "We have a lot of kids that will come in and go, 'I don't know how to do that,'" she said. "'I want a bike, but I can't fix that.' 'I can't do that.' To be able to see them afterwards have that sense of 'Hey, I can do that.' " That Place for Teens is a youth center for middle and high schoolers where they can spend time with each other and learn from the adults around them, Stender said. "We provide them that safe place where they can talk to another trusted adult and hopefully have a sounding board before they make a bad decision," she said. Registration at thatplace4teens.com is required for future Wrench N Ride sessions. Stender said spots for the currently scheduled programs are filled, but That Place for Teens is considering adding additional sessions based on volunteer availability due to high demand. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.