Thumbs Up is opening teen after-school program in Rogers

Thumbs Up will open its second teen after-school program at the Rogers Activity Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7.

Thumbs Up opened its first teen after-school program in downtown Elk River in February of 2022.

The after-school program is a safe hang-out space for teens. Since opening the Elk River program in 2022, Thumbs Up has had over 1,700 youth visits.

The after-school program serves all middle and high school students from any school or homeschool. The Rogers teen after-school program will be open weekly every Wednesday from 2:15 p.m. to 5 p.m., with the hope to expand the program additional days in the future based on need. Weekly no-cost mental health activities include therapy dogs from You’re Not Alone, mindfulness activities, and access to mental health resources. Other activities include a fully stocked art space, games, puzzles, crafts, and an area to work on homework.

The program also provides complimentary snacks to students. To sign up, fill out this parent or guardian waiver form https://form.jotform.com/233395186020049. For more information about Thumbs Up programs, visit https://thumbsupformentalhealth.org/youth-mental-health/ or call 763-355-9132.

About Thumbs Up

Thumbs Up is bringing awareness to mental health and providing support and resources to all.

The Thumbs Up organization was founded in 2014 by several community members to honor Bob Schmit and Chuck Dahlheimer, who took their own lives after living in silence with mental illness.

The organization is dedicated to educating and teaching others through community awareness initiatives about mental illness, the warning signs of suicide, and what to do to help others who struggle.