Students from Peer Support, a CHS club that assists its classmates, and Teen Line, a teen-to-teen hotline where teens are able to talk to other teens about their problems, have collaborated to establish a student center that will be open during lunch starting Feb. 6.

Both programs have partnered up as a team to create a student-run center. The program is being implemented to provide teens with a safe environment where they are able to talk to other teens and feel welcome.

“I think the students here at CHS need a haven where they can go to talk and feel comfortable,” said Peer Support Advisor Kathy Heukrodt. “There are so many kids who are isolated and alone, and this program is here to help them.”

The center will be located in the Student Center across from the Lecture Hall and will be open Monday through Thursday to all students. The center is also a place for students to settle issues with other teens they might be having problems with.

However, the program is not meant to take the place of counselors, but rather to create another forum for students to express how they are feeling. Students from Peer Support and Teen Line have been trained to mediate problems as well as help with life skills.  Members are also fully qualified to handle a variety of situations.

“Teens would often times rather talk to other teens, which is why I feel that this program will be not only successful, but also effective,” said Peer Support President, senior Ashley Himmelstern.

There will always be at least two teen mentors in the center, who will be available to help. Other activities will also be offered for the students, in hopes of creating an inviting atmosphere. The group is also trying to have monthly speakers visit and discuss topics that relate to teens, such as self-image issues, depression, social health, sexual orientation and bullying.

“The center will hopefully let students know that it is okay to be who you are and that things [can] get better,” said Teen Line Member, sophomore Greta Melendez.