Grounded Teen Center is graduating its first set of seniors to spend all four years of high school at the building on Montana 35 in Bigfork after opening the space in 2020. Now, eighth graders are invited to check out the space for the month of May.

“Every year there’s a new group of kids that discovers Grounded,” volunteer program director Marci Truckey said. 

A few eighth graders have already stopped in, and Truckey encouraged parents to come and meet her and fellow volunteers as well. 

“That’s kind of the point of this place, it’s easy accessible, it’s open house, they can come and use it as they need it and its free for them to use,” Truckey said.

Local donors provide free snacks and soda, and Truckey usually makes a meal for the students that utilize the space Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

“For some that’s a lifeline, for others it’s something fun that they have access to if they need it,” Truckey said. The space has been utilized most by Bigfork High School freshmen and sophomores in the past, as it is within walking distance from the school and provides a place for them to relax before practice, work, or when their parents get home from work. 

While Grounded is an outreach ministry non-profit, all are welcome and there is no required attendance or affiliation. Truckey reported growth in attendance this year, and estimated the center serves 30-40 individual teenagers. 

The space offers a pool table, foosball, ping pong, Xbox and TV, as well as places to work or play games or work on puzzles. A kitchen area is available as well as spaces that can be used for doing schoolwork or hanging out. 

The last day of school, June 6, is the last day Grounded is open from 3 to 6 p.m. for the school year. However, hosts will continue reach out to kids throughout the summer and offer random events to check in with students — simple things such as watching a movie or eating dinner with the possibly of a baking group and guitar lessons to come. 

When it’s not the teen center during the summer months, the space is offered to the community for private parties and small groups with a suggested donation, which goes 100% to teen center. 

More information about Grounded is available at www.groundedcommunity.com.