A long-envisioned dream is becoming reality with the creation of a new teen center in Holbrook. Grow Arizona Workforce Network, a locally founded workforce development nonprofit, partnered with United Way of Northern Arizona to secure funding to remodel a commercial space at 1002 W. Hopi Drive—the former Mr. G’s Yard Sale—generously donated by Joseph City resident Brian Gardner.
When Tara Kimball, Marketing Strategy Director for Wellpoint, learned of the project, she immediately recognized its potential. Wellpoint, a new health insurance provider in Arizona, is eager to invest in the communities it serves. Thanks to Wellpoint’s $150,000 contribution, a ceremonial “groundbreaking” was held last Friday, drawing representatives from across the state, including Wellpoint, UWNA, Grow Arizona, and numerous local supporters.
The proposed 2,880-square-foot Bijou (pronounced ‘bee zhoo’) Teen Center will feature a creative arts studio, music room, commercial kitchen, retail entrepreneur space, coffee bar and technology center. A welcoming lounge area will offer teens a safe place to connect and relax. In addition to creative programming, the center will provide soft skills training, entrepreneurial education, and postsecondary planning support. Though located in Holbrook, the center is open to teens from across the region who are seeking a supportive and inclusive space to grow.
Mayor Kathleen Smith expressed her gratitude during the event. “On behalf of the City of Holbrook, I want to extend my deepest thanks to Wellpoint and United Way of Northern Arizona for making the Bijou Teen Center possible,” she said. “If we want to build a stronger workforce and a more vibrant community, it starts right here—with our youth. This center represents hope and opportunity, and I believe it will shape the future of our region for generations to come.” She added, “Thank you, Wellpoint and United Way, for believing in Holbrook and for standing with us as we invest in our greatest resource—our young people.”
Holbrook teen Rylie Patterson also addressed those present stating, “We all know that being a teenager isn’t always easy – bullying, pressure, social media, anxiety – it’s a lot. A teen center could make a huge difference for so many of us. It wouldn’t just be a building. It would be a safe space – a place where we can bond, build real friendships and feel like we belong. For some of us, it could be the only place where we feel truly supported and seen. That kind of community can literally change lives.” Patterson closed with a call to action: “By donating to this cause, you’re not just giving money, you’re giving hope. You’re giving teens a chance to grow up in a town that believes in them. It isn’t just a fundraiser – it’s an investment in all of us.”
Grow Arizona CEO Linda Kor also reflected on the milestone, “Kathleen (Smith) and I started Grow Arizona five years ago, driven by a shared commitment to help our communities in northern Arizona grow and thrive. From the start we knew that our work had to begin with our youth. We believe in truly knowing our young people—their stories, their challenges and their dreams – and learning from them and celebrating with them. That’s how we build strong, connected communities. This teen center is another step in that journey.” Grow Arizona currently serves the teens in Holbrook and Joseph City high schools with post-secondary planning, paid internships and career exploration.
It’s anticipated that the remodel will take approximately three months to complete. Once the remodel begins, as a 501(c)(3), Grow Arizona will be conducting outreach for donations to support supplies, staffing and other needs. To learn more about the organizations involved, visit www.growarizona.org, https://nazunitedway.org and https://www.wellpoint.com/.
