There are lots of nonprofits and services that work with children 10 and under, and many that focus on adults. Kids in the 11-18 age group who are at risk have fewer options, but this is an age that needs a lot of help and support, especially if they aren’t getting it at home. Punx with Purpose and its resource center, Stormie’s Place, are trying to fill that gap in Salem by connecting teens to resources.
Punx With Purpose
Punx with Purpose “is a nonprofit organization in Salem, Oregon that focuses on supporting our community’s at-risk youth.” The brainchild of Hailey Kelley, the group targets teens who struggle with issues similar to those Kelley herself faced – housing, abusive parents, and family addiction issues.
Punx with a Purpose got its start with the Punx in the Park event, held annually at the end of summer. The event serves as both a concert and a resource fair for everyone, but with a specific focus on youth. Last year’s event saw them give away 1700 hygiene products, over 1000 pieces of clothing, and 75 pairs of shoes. Kids ages 11-18 were also eligible for free meals from food trucks, a build-a-punk hair station, and many other giveaways.
This year will be even larger, with the event set for Riverfront Park on August 31. Teens can find an “elder punk” mentor, connect with 50+ community resource booths, listen to a live punk show, meet the bands afterward, and hear youth speakers involved in the Punx in the Park event tell their stories. It’s an all-ages event and a great way to support Punx with Purpose’s mission.
Stormie’s Place
333 High Street NE, Salem
A new resource hub for young people, Stormie’s Place is open only to those ages 11-18. The site is named for Hailey Kelley’s sister, who helped provide stability during their teen years. The center has hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2-6 p.m., and is adjacent to the transit mall in downtown Salem to make it easy for youth to access. Stormie’s Place fills a gap in social services – many in this age group are too young for children’s services, yet not yet eligible for adult resources.
Teens who come to Stormie’s Place can access a variety of resources. There is a food pantry that provides kids with two boxes of food per month. Initially, teens complained about having to carry the food on the bus and about getting teased for it, so Stormie’s Place offers an Uber ride along with the boxes of food. During the days they are open, Stormie’s provides a hot meal to clients so they can stop in for their needs and also get fed.
Stormie’s Place also helps teens with clothing, shoes, and other necessities. Clients can pick up a new pair of shoes each month, and the center has a closet full of clothing donated by Hot Topic and community members. Stormie’s Place stocks a variety of hygiene supplies, including laundry detergent and cat food. There’s also an area with pre-packed hygiene kits that kids can easily stuff in their backpacks for later.
Many of those served by the resource center still love stuffed animals, and the Squishmallow adoption area is one of the most popular. Staff report that some teens come specifically to claim their monthly Squishmallow to take with them. There’s also a hangout area with board games, video games, snacks, and books.
Stormie’s Place also serves as an essential resource hub for social services. Teens can sign up to work one-on-one with a case manager and a counselor to address their areas of need. On Fridays, a Department of Human Services staff member comes to help kids sign up for the Oregon Health Plan. Stormie’s Place helps individuals in this underserved age group to access the resources they need around food, housing, mental and physical health, and other issues.
Rainbow Youth
One group that meets regularly at Stormie’s Place is Rainbow Youth. “Rainbow Youth creates safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth and their friends to find connection, support, and friendship. We promote Sexuality And Gender Acceptance (SAGA) through weekly gatherings, social activities, and individual support.”
Tuesdays are “Try-it-Tuesdays” on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. Teens aged 12-18 are invited to experience a new craft, do something creative, or learn a new skill. One recent popular workshop was on corset making. The second and fourth Thursday of the month are Community Group meetings, from 6 to 8 p.m. These meetings, also for ages 12-18, are about getting support, building community, and finding connection with others.
For teens in the community struggling with access to resources, or those looking for support and connection they can’t access elsewhere, the services and events at Stormie’s Place and the work of the Rainbow Youth provide an important space. Kids can get fed, clothed, and connected to resources, and find new ways to experience community in Salem.
