A hangout to call their own
CHENEY – The noise at the Hangout in the Cheney Parks and Recreation building is not a harsh cacophony, but a a harmonious mix: It’s the sound of kids interacting in a positive and accepting learning environment.
The click and clack of a Ping-Pong ball skipping across the green table joins the laughter of two 10-year-old boys. Across the room, the rattle of billiard balls is barely audible over an energetic conversation about school science projects and the next Nintendo Wii game.
Sue Wright, Hangout program director, says the venture provides a place where children – mainly between 9 and 13 – have a voice and are given decision-making powers under supervision.
“They sign themselves in and out. They can come and go as they please,” says Wright, adding that most children stay until their parents pick them up.
There is more to this recreation room than the three olive-green couches encircling a large black high-definition TV or the impressive collection of table games.
“Hanging out” represents only a small part of the mission of this program initiated by the Children’s Studies Department of Eastern Washington University and funded by the Cheney Police Department.
The Hangout employs a general program coordinator and a tutoring coordinator from the Children’s Studies Program each year. It also provides volunteer opportunities for two or three other students, according to Bobby Richmond, the 23-year-old program coordinator.
“There are a lot of positive role models around here. In the future, these kids will look back and really remember things they learned in a place like this,” Richmond says.
Richmond started as coordinator last summer. His duties include organizing weekly activities such as “Jammin’ with Joe,” held on Mondays, when a local professor brings in a band setup and teaches children to play instruments including guitar, drums and bass.
“I love working with kids and watching them grow, so they can stay off the streets and do something positive,” Richmond says.
One day, he hopes to open his own center for youth on the West Side of the state and design programs similar to those at the Hangout.
The most important development in the program since it opened in 2005 was the hiring of a tutoring coordinator this year.
Krista Caldwell, a sophomore elementary education major, helps give direction during designated homework time – from 3 to 4 p.m. – and she provides an extra set of eyes and ears for supervision when she isn’t helping tutor students.
“The most important thing you can do is to be there for them,” Caldwell says. “Helping with homework, or playing games with them, or doing whatever they want to do. I grew up with that, and I want to provide that for them, because it helps them stay out of trouble.”
Austin Johnson and Daemon Vergo said they love to come to the Hangout for the homework help and the opportunities to spend time in a setting designed with them in mind.
“The homework help is my favorite part,” says Daemon, 10. “You get to hang out with kids your age, and it’s a really fun time.”
The Hangout hopes to expand its programs to include activities away from the Parks and Recreation.
A $1,000 contribution is made by the Police Department to the center each year for upkeep and facility operations, but it cannot be used for off-site activities, says Richmond. He hopes to get support from more sponsors to help provide additional socialization opportunities.