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CBS 11 News is told that some of the young people who go to Parachutes Teen Club at the Dimond Mall don't always have the best situations at home. Parachutes is a place where they can stay safe and out of trouble—and talk with adults who really care.
You may have passed by Parachutes on the second floor of the Dimond Mall and wondered just exactly what it is. If you did, you wouldn't be alone.
"Most of the people who walk by the windows have this, 'What is that?' kind of look on their face. And some of them will actually stop by and ask. But most will just walk by and think, 'That's kind
What Parachutes is, is a faith-based, supervised, drop-in center for teens between the ages of 13 and 18. It's supported by a number of local churches. While they make no bones about their Christian faith, it's not a required part at of the program. Kids who come must be members, but it's free and easy to do on the spot. After that, they are welcome to drop in any time. But director Joel Keikinfveld says it's the regulars who make Parachutes their second home.
"A typical teen who uses Parachutes on a regular basis, so more than a couple times a week, is a teen that is a refugee from their own home. Their home situation is messed up for one reason or another, or they are rebelling from it, and they find themselves at the mall, cause it's a warm, safe place to be. They find Parachutes relatively quickly, and this becomes their place to hang out," said Keikinfveld.
One of those kids is Sheliah Stepetins.
"I come here like every day it's open," said Parachutes member, Sheliah Stepetins.
Stepetins says she sometimes hangs out with friends in downtown Anchorage, but she likes Parachutes because there is no fighting and less
"It's just a nice little area for me to come and hang out," said Stepetins.
Dillon Trimble is another regular. He likes to use the Internet and play games with friends—all with the approval of his mom.
"I think if parents don't trust their kids, they can always just call and see if their kids are here. I enjoy being here. My mom knows that I'm here and she knows that I'll stay out of trouble," said Trimble.
And if kids do have an issue, they can talk with caring adults. Keikinfveld says the whole idea is to provide kids with a community where they feel cared about and be safe.
Parachutes always has at least two adults on the premises, but they would love to have more people volunteer to spend time there with kids. You can find them on the second floor of the Dimond Center. They are open in the afternoon, Tuesday through Saturday.
To contact Lauren, call 907-273-3186.
