Teens find a welcome at The BRIC

The BRIC at 3360 L&N Drive in Huntsville will conduct open house on April 7. CONTRIBUTED

HUNTSVILLE – Teenagers now have a location to gather in a positive, non-threatening atmosphere for casual fellowship.

The BRIC will an open house on April 7 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 4 p.m. The BRIC facility’s address is 3360 L&N Drive in Huntsville.

“The BRIC is a nonprofit (organization) serving teenagers in Madison County by providing them a safe and supportive environment to congregate on weekend nights with live bands, deejays, a coffee bar and mini-library, gaming, mentoring opportunities and a Young Artists’ Market,” founder and executive director Rachel Rutledge said.

The BRIC invites teenagers from 13 to 18 years old in grades 7-12. In establishing the new center, organizers are using Rocketown in Nashville as a pattern. Rocketown, a venue with 45,000 square feet, attracts more than 1,000 Nashville teens each week.

Leading up to open house, The BRIC leaders have been hosting ‘pop-up’ events. Pop-up events were held at such locations as Lowe Mill, Lincoln Mill and the Square in downtown Huntsville. “Everyone is invited to come learn more about The BRIC and its programs,” she said.

Rutledge said The BRIC tries to emulate the values of “GRASP,” or growth, responsibility, attitude, support and possibility. “‘Growth’ builds positive relationships and seeks out learning,” Rutledge said.

“Responsibility means you follow through on commitments,” she said. Attitude guides a person in a positive direction to become an adult with character and integrity. “We can accept support to improve ourselves and assist those around us. With possibility, you can expand your point of view and think outside the box.”

For more information, call 256-318-3554, email thebric@jrutledge.net or visit thebric.info, Facebook/The BRIC or Instagram @the_bric.