Mission Statement
A bit of inspiration and a dose of reality on behalf of Trackside, Wilton's Teen Center.
* There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings. Hodding Carter, Jr.
* By 10th grade, 71% of Wilton teens have used alcohol and 40% have smoked cigarettes. (University of Connecticut Wilton Student Survey, 2002). With regards to smoking, American Lung Association studies show that adolescent tobacco use is associated with a range of health-compromising behaviors, including being involved in fights, carrying weapons, engaging in high-risk sexual behavior and using alcohol and other drugs.
* Studies show that when communities consistently prevent underage access to alcohol, publicize and enforce alcohol-related laws, limit the promotion of alcohol, and provide children with recreational alternatives to alcohol, they significantly reduce the incidence of underage drinking (NIAAA).
The objective of Trackside Teen Center is to promote healthy age-appropriate development for teens
and pre-teens in Wilton. This is achieved by providing an environment designed to develop positive
social skills and social competence, foster moral development, and enhance self-esteem - all of which
are related to reduced risk-taking behavior, academic success, and healthy interpersonal relationships.
Over the past two years Trackside has decreased the number of unsupervised teens and pre-teens during after
school hours while increasing the number of non-school related after school programs for Wilton
teens.
Creating a hub within the community of teen activity - designed by teens and for teens - provides
ample opportunity for teens to engage in healthy alternative activities. Studies show that after
school programs are proven to cut crime and reduce risky behavior. Trackside supports Wilton teens
in developmental tasks by providing them a place within the community, other than home and school,
where they can be involved in healthy socialization, all the while gaining experience in participating
as a citizen in a productive manner. Wilton teens and pre-teens are able to utilize Trackside Teen
Center at vulnerable times where they are more likely to make bad choices. For high school students
this time may be on weekend nights when they may succumb to peer pressure; for middle school students
this time may be after school when they are left unattended while waiting for parents to return home
from work.
Trackside is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization. While the town of Wilton covers a portion of
staffing costs, Trackside must raise money to fund the balance of these costs as well as 100% of
annual operating expenses, regular maintenance, facility upgrades and programming designed to reach
out and appeal to a broad cross-section of teenagers.