REC Center helps close the gap and keep kids healthy and safe

For many children, school is one of the only places they feel safe and valued - the community’s educators make sure of that. But what about after school, or during the summer? What happens to those same kids when school is out and home isn’t necessarily the best place to be?

That’s where Emily Paulsen and The REC Center step in.

Founder Adam Rodman felt called to create the space after a young girl in the community took her own life. He and his wife knew they had to take action, recognizing that there is a gap in support for kids ages 12 through 18.

“We want to close that gap,” said Rodman.

Located on Jensen Drive in Medford, The REC Center is already home to a number of adults who seek to better their lives through physical activity, but early this summer Rodman and Paulsen, the youth center director, will open the doors to their new state-of-the-art youth facility.

From northeastern Wisconsin, Paulsen recently moved to the area after graduating from UW-Madison with a degree in health promotion and health equity. She originally started going to school for healthcare but realized it just wasn’t a good fit for her.

“A lot of our health and wellbeing comes from within,” said Paulsen. “It’s physical, emotional, occupational, I wanted to go a route where I can be that stepping stone for people. You don't have to be stuck, you can have a flourishing, thriving life.”

Paulsen applied for the position when The REC Center was still under construction and recalls sitting with Rodman and listening to his vision.

“I thought that it was amazing and I wanted to be a part of that. Whatever you bring to him and whatever the community brings to him, he’ll figure out a way,” she said of Rodman. “Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.”

She had faith and held out until the youth center got closer to completion, coming on board later and utilizing her time by offering personal training and helping people to better themselves, whatever that might mean. Paulsen encourages people to take that first step towards wellness.

“You just have to start, there is no way to the other side unless you go through, start with one simple thing, don't overwhelm yourself, give yourself patience, one day at a time,” she said. “You have to live with you every single day.”

Paulsen and Rodman have big dreams for the youth center. There will be space for sitting and doing homework or participating in some fun educational classes, a seating area for relaxing with friends and playing cards, and a ping pong table as well as a kitchen. They also plan to make the space available for others for things like employee wellness or team bonding scheduled around youth activities, the children always at the forefront.

While her goal is positive youth development, Paulsen recognizes that doesn’t always mean school for each kid. She plans to offer summer programs that are engaging, as well as soft skill development.

“I want to prepare them for the future and do cool things that they love to do,” Paulsen said.

She’s particularly excited to get the children outside and eventually hopes to have an outdoor recreation space where kids can practice sports and have fun in an environment where they feel cared for.

Paulsen said, “I would love to get kids outside more, it is a really healing and beneficial experience.”

She also wants to see kids integrating with the community and hopes that adults will participate in programming, whether that be by doing crafts with kids, teaching a fun demonstration or simply hanging out, she believes that everyone will benefit from spending time together.

“I do really love Medford, it is a tight knit community,” Paulsen said. “I haven’t really experienced that elsewhere, just to know how kind people are and how willing they are to be involved in any way shape or form for the betterment of the community, it's a down-to-heart community that cares.”

Paulsen and Rodman don’t know exactly what the summer is going to look like in the long run as they work to find volunteers and develop programming. For now, they want to meet the community where its at and let things flow naturally.

“The youth will change, the community will change, which means I'll have to change with them,” Paulsen said. “I don't know what thats going to look like, but we’re rooted in the idea that we're here for the youth and the growth of the community.”

Costs to be enrolled in youth center programming aren’t extravagant, just the same as a basic student plan membership. Along with that the kids will have the same access to the gym equipment and classes as everyone else. They hope to have scholarship and sponsorship opportunities in the near future. Eventually, its Paulsen and Rodman’s goal to make the youth center accessible for everyone, regardless of finances.

“We don't want there to be a barrier for access,” Paulsen said.

Those interested in being involved with the youth center are welcome to reach out to Rodman and Paulsen at 715-748-0489 or by visiting their website at https:// www.thereccentermedford.org/.