Walden’s ‘Cove’ Quickly Making Impact on Teens

Posted for Walden Behavioral Health

Community Builder

By Mallory Lengel

 

Walden’s newest addition to their behavioral health campus gives teens a place to go after school to participate in new activities.

The Cove offers teens a safe place to go to relax, pick up a new hobby or talk about their problems and is located on the Walden Campus on St. Andrew’s Church Rd.

Through the work of volunteers and Walden staff, The Cove offers teens ages 12-17 a free place to spend their time in a drug and alcohol free environment, and the opportunity to develop good behavioral health habits and hobbies. In addition to providing weekly hot meals and snacks, The Cove also offers a pool table, computer room, Xbox, and space outdoors for sports. Volunteers offer guitar lessons, meal preparation demonstrations and art projects.

All of the services offered at The Cove are free to participants. The only requirements for teens interested in taking advantage of the various services offered are that they are sober while at the facility, and that they have some concern about sobriety, whether seeking personal help, advice about a friend or family member or information on getting help for someone close to them.

Anywhere from 30 to 40 teens seek out the services of Walden at The Cove each  month, and participate in both on-site activities and regional activities. The Cove took a recent trip to a Washington Capitals game.

Some teens utilizing the services at the Cove have never even been out of the county, says Resource Engagement Coordinator, Laura Webb. Walden provides the opportunity to experience activities many participants might not otherwise have had a chance to enjoy. Also, in an effort to encourage healthy lifestyle choices and community involvement, The Cove maintains a jobs board and volunteer opportunities board.

In order to continue to offer more and varied services, Walden is constantly seeking volunteers who can offer a skill set that enhances the already broad range of activities offered at The Cove. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, more information can be found on the Walden website.

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