After months of upgrades, the Newhouse Teen Center has officially reopened its doors.
This spot on Alston Drive has long been a go-to place for young people, and now it has a fresh look with even more ways to have fun.
The reopening brought music, food, and a high-energy celebration that showed the community what the next chapter will look like.
Paint, Music, and a Mid-Week Celebration
The first big event back, Hump Day Hangout: Paint Edition, took place Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 5–7 p.m.
Teens poured in for live music, free snacks, giveaways, and a group painting activity. With supplies provided, it was easy for everyone to join in.
Teens from across the city picked up brushes, shared laughs, and soaked up the atmosphere.
Free admission made the event accessible to all 13–18 year olds, and the turnout reflected just how much energy had been building for this reopening.
A Space Designed with Teens in Mind
The Newhouse Teen Center is unique in Mobile—dedicated solely to teenagers. Renovations leaned into that mission, adding a gaming and entertainment area designed specifically for teens.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between safe and welcoming, while still buzzing with the kind of energy teens bring.
Beyond games and hangouts, the center also offers academic and personal growth opportunities.
Homework help, ACT prep, mentoring programs, and guest speakers are all part of the mix, giving teens a place where they can both work hard and relax.
Mentors and Role Models Leading the Way
The Parks and Recreation team partnered with Breakthrough Teen Mentors to guide the reopening.
Their vision was to create more than a hangout spot—to build a safe and inspiring hub.
“We’re beyond excited to reopen and give young people a space where they can connect, express themselves, and grow,” said Phelon Carter, the program’s teen mentor coordinator.
Assistant coordinator Macaiah Beck emphasized the importance of accessibility, noting that every teen deserves a place where they can feel at home.
These mentors are shaping the center into a space where role models and support are always close by.
Giving Back While Having Fun
The celebration also came with a reminder about community responsibility. Attendees were encouraged to bring canned goods, and donations from the Sept. 3 event will be distributed to families in need later this year.
The mix of celebration and service gave the reopening a deeper purpose. The Newhouse Teen Center now stands as more than a building with a new coat of paint—it’s a place where joy and responsibility can coexist, and where the next generation learns the value of giving back while having fun.
What’s Next for the Teen Center
With the reopening celebration wrapped up, the center is moving forward with a full schedule of programs.
Weekly hangouts, game nights, and creative workshops are already on the calendar, along with mentoring sessions and guest speakers lined up for the fall.
Teens can expect more themed events like the paint night, plus opportunities to sharpen study skills and prep for the ACT.
The mix of fun, learning, and community service will keep building, ensuring the Newhouse Teen Center stays a lively hub long after the ribbon-cutting excitement fades.
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