New Building
At Irish Den, we are constantly challenged by the lack of space in our current building. The establishment restricts our ability to accommodate more students and expand for future programs. Because we consistently have over one hundred students show up, our current space has become overwhelmingly small. A larger facility would allow us not only to host more students for the weekly and monthly events but would also give us the ability to expand our internships and offer more after-school and summer programs. We have ambitious plans to construct and launch a full-fledged community center. Although our primary focus is on youth, the aim is to eventually be an all-encompassing community center to make the new space beneficial for all members of the community.
The city of Chapman has been incredibly supportive of everything we are doing. They have graciously gifted us 5.3 acres of land to build upon. As of April 2024, we signed for and acquired the deed to the property. This was a huge first step for our plans of expansion, and we are diligently working behind the scenes to keep things moving forward!
New Building Features
Coffee Shop
More square footage will allow for more services and help with the overwhelming congestion that is currently experienced. This will include a large serving buffet that makes feeding up to three hundred students less of a daunting task. An industrial kitchen will allow space to cook for large crowds with ease. The coffee shop is also planning to expand its services by offering an extended food menu and even more internship opportunities.
Kids Zone
We will have a dedicated enclosed play area for kids. The focus of the proposed new building will be “using our minds & bodies.” This area of the building will emphasize movement and activity and will be for kids of all ages. There will be slides, tunnels, climbing areas, and even a dedicated enclosed infant and toddler area. The focus of this particular space is to allow children to use up their never ending energy, engage with other kids, and challenge themselves physically rather than being on screens and devices.
Counseling
Our team of leaders understands the value of having professionals who specialize in mental health. We already have a committed state licensed counselor, Scott Nading, who will be on staff and available at no cost to the youth. In exchange for rent free office space, Scott will donate his after school hours to being available for students. “Regularly seeing a therapist can improve students' mental health, increase confidence, enhance school performance, and help relationships with peers and family.” -B.E. Psychology Center for Emotional Well Being.
Tutoring
To better serve the kids in the community, we are working on putting together a team of teachers and high school members of the National Honor Society who will be available by appointment to offer tutoring services to students after school.
Rentable Rooms
The community center is planning to offer rentable party rooms along with a "conference room" for homeschool groups, 4-H meetings, and other events.
Skate Park & Skate Shop
In the theme of “using our bodies,” we are aiming to create a place for teenagers to be active as well. Skating, rollerblading, scootering, and skateboarding will be available daily for the youth. When teenagers have something to do, an activity to occupy their time, and a sense of community and belonging, they are far less likely to make bad decisions. “Young people ages 12 to 17 who are frequently bored are 50 percent likelier than those not often bored to smoke, drink, get drunk, and use illegal drugs,” according to Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. Here at Irish Den, we have skilled and committed adults with a particular passion for the skatepark. Skating helped pull them out of the troubled path they were headed down as teenagers. Collin Sullivan, the skatepark director, has a strong love of teaching kids they can have fun, do remarkable feats with their bodies, and even be a little wild in the appropriate setting. Collin has helped mentor and train kids who have gone on to ride for Redbull and other major companies. The skatepark and skate shop also plan to have internships, skate lessons, and summer camps.
Summer Camps & Programs
Irish Den is planning to organize summer camps and programs for students and members of the community, some to include life skills classes such as: Cooking Classes - how to shop for items, get ingredients, prepare veggies, cook meat etc. The head cook of USD 473 will be spearheading this program. Financial Classes - the local bank manager has committed to teaching varying financial literacy classes specific to different age groups. Art Classes - summer art camps and/or classes will be available for kids to learn different art styles and methods. Photography & Media/Video Content - intern with staff on photography, videography, editing, commercial content, marketing, & social media etc. Skateboarding - week long summer camps will be available including safety protocol, technique, group activities, games, and lunch.
