Supporting Teens at The BRIC

The BRIC (Building Relationships in Community)
is being established as a non-profit venue for teen-agers in Madison County, AL
The BRIC is the spot every teen wants to be… live music, pool tables, a coffee bar. The BRIC will operate on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, at times when teens are seeking something to do.

WHY??
128 teens run away from home every hour! 5,000 teens die each year due to alcohol-related injuries, 1:3 girls have been sexually abused, families are being ripped apart, and social media has kids convinced they’ll never be good enough. 
This is a walking wounded generation, and since pain always seeks a way to escape, they turn to drugs and sex, they cut, they bully, they hate. But all these are merely attempts to find release from hurts. The BRIC is a place of escape to find acceptance, belonging & hope while building relationships with mature adults who give a listening ear or shoulder to cry on. It’s an oasis in the middle of chaos and confusion.

WHAT??
A venue for teens to hang-out, chill, find friendships, listen to great music (even play great music alongside house bands), enjoy the coffee-house atmosphere with Wi-Fi and gaming, and get exposure to mentorship opportunities in the meantime.

HOW??
We need YOUR support! We have the vision, the plan and definitely the passion. But we're lacking in funding. While a permanent venue is in the long-term plan, smaller "pop-up" BRIC events are in the works now... but they too depend on funding. Speakers and artists are already lined up - will you help support our needs to cover:
    - venue rental costs
    - sound system and lighting costs
    - concessions 
    - security

WHY AGAIN??
We tell them to grow up and “act” right. We tell them they can’t hang out at the mall or movies without an adult past 6 pm, but we give them no options for places TO hang out. We tell them, “Don’t drink, don’t do drugs, don’t get into trouble,” but what are we offering as alternatives?

Teen and young adult years…the time in life where our biggest leaps are made from childhood to adulthood – where some of our most important and lasting decisions are being made…decisions that will ultimately shape the rest of our lives. How are we helping with this transition? We tell them what not to do, how not to act, sometimes we even threaten - but where are the opportunities?

I was one of those kids – grew up in a small town with great people, but with nothing to do and pent-up energy - curiosity had to escape somewhere. Looking back, I wonder if I had a safe and positive place to go – a place where I belonged and felt acceptanced – I wonder if I would have made different choices. I believe I would have. Anyone else have a similar story? Will you support our vision of providing a safe and cool hang-out venue for teens that includes music, coffee bar, and opportunities for mentorship? See below for our goal of what The BRIC will look like!

Thank you for reading about The BRIC. We hope that you have a blessed day!