Teen Action and Support Center serves teens, trains volunteers

Tell us about your organization: ■ Mission:

At TASC, we empower teens to take action in their own lives and communities.

■ Services provided:

We remove barriers and activate potential in teens by offering free support services. Services include connection to housing and physical resources, education support, mental health services, connection to service learning opportunities, and opportunities to lead in their communities. ■ Service area: Benton and Washington counties ■ Average number of people served annually: 2,200

How is your organization’s mission unique?

TASC is unique because we specialize in adolescents. We love teens! Every one Staff and volunteers paint a mural at The Station in Springdale. of our staff and counselors specialize in serving youth going through their adolescent years. We serve teens locally and train those who work with teens all over the nation.

Why do you work for a nonprofit organization? Do you have a personal connection to the mission? If so, what is it?

I work for a nonprofit because ever since I was a child, I said I wanted to change the world. This is the absolute best way I see that I can accomplish that goal. As a teen, I didn’t get the mental health support I needed to thrive. I struggled through my teenage years, barely survived them. It is important to me that teens are given the opportunity to access the services they need not just to survive their teenage years, but to thrive.

What have you learned on the job that you didn’t expect?

I actually never wanted to be an executive director. I thought I loved direct service with clients too much! But when I saw that as an executive director, I have the opportunity to exponentially increase direct service to clients by supporting amazing people who are doing the most important work day in and day out, I was in!

Are there volunteer opportunities in your organization? What are they?

We are always looking for adults to support the amazing work our teens are doing in the community. Whether it be a group that just wants to do a one day project, someone who wants to volunteer for a fundraising event, or someone who wants to volunteer every Saturday to mentor teens, there is a spot for everyone to get involved.

What upcoming fundraisers and/or other events does your organization have planned?

All In NWA is our main fundraising event for the year and is coming up Feb. 2. It is a fun night where guests will be transported to Vegas with casino games, showgirls and all. It will be at the Embassy Suites in Rogers from 6 to 11 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found at tascnwa.org, by calling (479) 636-8272 or emailing madi@ tascnwa.org.

File photo

Hutson