We asked our teens a simple question:
“What would you be doing if you weren’t at The Haven today?”

A lot of students gave the same quiet answer:
“I’d be in my room… doomscrolling, playing video games, or sleeping.”

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Behind those words is a deeper truth—without connection, many teens slip into isolation.

But at The Haven, they laugh, build friendships, share meals, learn life skills, and experience what it feels like to be noticed, valued, and welcomed.

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As one teen shared,

"Moving schools, I lost all of my friends and had no idea how to spend my free time after school. I laid in my bed until bedtime. My friends told me about The Haven... We made friends, had a lot of fun after school. It became my favorite way to spend my time after school." — J.P., Class of 2024

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Another simply said,

"It's more than just a building. It's a place where teens feel welcome, supported, and like they belong." — C.P., Class of 2028

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The Haven Teen Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving middle and high school students across the greater Orting Valley—including homeschool and co-op teens. For more than a decade, we've remained a free, caring place where local youth can belong, grow, and be surrounded by caring mentors. We are 100% volunteer-run and our local teens opened our doors over 3,500 times last school year. 

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In today's digital world, teens often struggle with confidence and face-to-face connection. When teens walk into The Haven, our focus is on giving them what screens can't—meaningful interaction, positive mentorship, practical life skills, and a safe place to grow in confidence and belonging.

 

As one graduate reflected,

"When I was at my lowest, I had The Haven to look forward to every single day. Rick, Jen, and all the volunteers were always there for kids having bad days. The Haven changed my life. I don't know where I'd be today if I didn't have it." — J.G., Class of 2024

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And it’s working! In the past five years, we’ve seen sharp declines in depression, self-harm, and fights, while friendships, confidence, and joy have grown.

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However, the financial landscape has changed. Grants at the city, county, and foundation levels have become increasingly limited, making dependable community support more important than ever. To continue serving local teens, we must build a strong and sustainable base of monthly partners.

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It costs about $150 each day we open our doors to provide a safe place where teens can build friendships, enjoy free snacks, learn valuable life skills, and discover they belong. Many families choose to sponsor an entire day each month, while others sponsor a half-day, a few hours, or simply give what they can. Every gift matters because every gift helps keep our doors open.

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Our goal is to raise $50,000 to keep The Haven's doors open throughout the 2026–2027 school year. Every gift—whether it's enough to sponsor a full day, a few hours, or simply buy snacks for our teens—helps provide another day of laughter, mentorship, friendship, and belonging.

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Your teens are always welcome here—whether your family is able to contribute or not.
We’re grateful for every parent who reads, encourages, forwards this email, or simply believes in our mission. However, you choose to participate—even by spreading the word—we celebrate that with all our hearts.

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Thank you for walking this journey with us—and for caring so deeply about Orting’s teens.

Help us continue serving our youth by making a one-time or recurring gift below.