The Drop-In provides an after-school open house at the FYI Backbay for free-standing and structured workshops. Youth have access to art materials and a space in which to work; access to a bank of computers; Xbox, Wii and PlayStation games; foosball, air-hockey and other free-standing game tables; a lending library; and access to tutors as needed.
Drop-In occurs at St. Peter’s Church on Thursdays and the FYI Backbay on Fridays for teens in Grades 8th – 12th. St. Peter’s offers youth an open gym on Thursdays. At the FYI Backbay, youth have access to computers, tutors and art materials in free standing and structured creative activities.
There are few venues in Ferguson where teens might gather to engage in the arts, build self-efficacy and develop positive support systems. According to research, youth that do not have positive events or activities to participate in often drift toward negative options available for them. The Drop-In provides a safe space with adult support where the youth are heard, respected and valued.
Staff along with other adult volunteers supervise the youth.