We often hear conflicting opinions from adults in our community about The Hub, South Whidbey Youth Connection’s after-school program for teens. We recently asked the youths who attend The Hub what they thought. Here’s what they said:

We get food.

The Hub is one of the places that I can come to where there are no drugs in Langley. Plus, the people who work here are nice and give us awesome food.

The reason I like to come to the Hub is because it is a nice, welcoming place to come and hang out with friends and communicate and socialize with new people. You can always come and do homework as well and eat a snack.

It’s warm.

I have nothing else to do.

I like the Hub because it’s a great place to hang out and associate with other kids and people.

I like the Hub because you get to play games like Guitar Hero 3, pool, ping pong and other stuff and you get food.

The Hub is a great place to come and spend some time away from the stress of life without being judged for who you are. I greatly enjoy coming here, even though I’ve only been a few times. I know I will be back.

This is the only place teens can hang out. It’s nice and comfortable and a place to stay warm, and fill your belly.

What I enjoy most about the Hub is that all of my friends go, and it’s a very safe environment.

The Hub is a great place to chill and grab a snack after school. I personally enjoy jamming here with my band.

I like to go to the Hub because they have good food and a place to jam.

I like the Hub because I see all my friends.

I come to the Hub because it’s fun. It’s a good environment with lots of positive energy. Lots of love.

I like the Hub because it’s a nice place to come and chill with friends, and to relax, play games and eat food.

If it weren’t for the Hub, I’d probably be doing drugs.

You have something to do instead of just staying home; you can hang out with your friends.

The reason I come to the Hub is because; I get to hang out with friends, I get to play games, it gives me a place to just sit back and relax, it is the best place to go to have fun without having to, like, take a ferry to Mukilteo, you can just go in to Langley.

I like the Hub because it’s fun to hang out with my friends and play pool and stuff. Good food, lots of fun.

I like the Hub because I can do my homework, hang out with friends, and I don’t have to wait in the car all the time, it’s a lot warmer.

I love going to the Hub because it’s a good place to hang out with friends.

The Hub is a place I come to take a break. I get to hang out with friends, play games and get away from home.

The Hub is open every school day from 2 to 5:30 p.m. for middle and high school aged youths. Come join us in the lower level of Langley United Methodist Church on the corner of Third and Anthes.

Duane Gimbel is the executive director of South Whidbey Youth Connection.