First Glance Student Center, Inc.

This place is a real bootstrapped charity that stretches dollars and puts their mission first. It’s an honest group with some real talent. If you decide to join them you will not be disappointed. It will change your life in ways you want. Don’t hesitate!

First Glance is what I consider the heart and soul of Kenmore. As a young, adventurous 11 year old kid to a grown woman, FG will always be near and dear to my heart. Thursday (and Friday) night Rec Nights and Tuesday’s “Ladies Night Out” (aka “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to us older folk….lol) were where I spent so much of my time during my teenage years. It kept us kids out of trouble, and gave us an outlet to be ourselves in a safe way. The volunteers made a lasting impression on who I am today. They showed me kindness, patience, creativity, and what a true follower of Christ can do. My siblings and I became a part of the FG family- as that what it boils down to, a family. They hosted the funerals for both my brothers, they’ve fed me, they’ve given me sound advice, and they’ve given me a place to express myself. The lasting impressions of First Glance is why I am now a volunteer, in hopes in helping the community where they need it most- their future.

I have firsthand experience with this wonderful organization and the impact it’s had on the community it faithfully serves. They focus on establishing loving, non-judgemental relationships that meet people right where they are, and doing so in a way that honors God. They genuinely love and care for, in practical ways, the students that cross their path. This approach has moved me to support them financially, prayerfully and practically in the past through a grant project I collaborated on. In my own time of need they opened their doors to host a funeral for a family member who passed away unexpectedly. This is an exceptional organization with dedicated servant leaders and volunteers that Is making a difference in the lives of the students they serve.

Volunteering at First Glance has been such a joy. I love getting to know the kids and teens. Encouraging them, loving them and just being family. The programming offers so many opportunities to spend time with kids and do fun things, while also building trusting relationships.

First Glance has changed my life. They encouraged me to go to college and helped me get a job. I love them

I am a student at First Glance and I have been going here for around 6 years. I absolutely love it, it is a great place for me to be myself and experience some amazing things. It is also a safe space for me and my friends to gather and hang out each week and just be ourselves. The leaders at First Glance are super welcoming and so helpful. Anytime that I was having a bad time whether it was just a bad day or something deeper the leaders were always there to be the best support system that I could use. First Glance has just done so much in my life that helped me to improve and grow as a person I am forever grateful.

I started volunteering in 2018, and have been on staff almost two years. I love the relationships you get to build with students, they become like family! It was a place that provides fun, safety and a sense of belonging!

Volunteering at First Glance is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. The students are fantastic to spend time with and we have so much fun. Every staff member, volunteer, and program leader I've met has been kind, generous, compassionate, and loving.

Volunteering with First Glance has changed my life. The community and relationships built through First Glance are genuine and life giving. I wish more cities had safe spaces, like First Glance, for teens to experience. The conversations I have had and memories I have made with students at First Glance are ones that I will cherish for a long time.

As a member of the community First Glance serves and a former volunteer I couldn't be more proud the have this organization right around the corner. By simply creating a community for youth to grow and learn safely they have impacted the lives of many teens. This past year they have stepped up immensely to help serve the local kids and families impacted the most by covid related closures. Every community needs an organization like First Glance to champion its youth.

I have served on staff, extended staff and a volunteer over the last 8 years. I have built so many meaningful relationships with the staff, volunteers and and students. Lives have been changed through the caring adults and relationships fostered through First Glance. It is a beacon of hope and safe place in the neighborhood.

I’ve been a part of First Glance for over 10 years. The relationships built are like no other and we truly become family. We eat together, laugh together, cry together, pray together, and spend time together. We get the opportunity to not just serve but to invest and create life long relationships. I volunteer with The Connect and I love being able to see our moms and their kids each week to celebrate the highs and share the lows together. I am truly thankful that a place like First Glance exists in the Kenmore community.

I love this place so much we have so much fun and everybody there loves and cares about everybody

This is the best place ever ! You makes friends these people are like family :) definitely recommend!

The leaders are wonderful and care about you and me. They embrace their love for each student individually.

I love that no matter what program you go to you will feel welcomed by the leaders and I also love the teen moms program as they have helped me through a lot being a young mom with a kid and one on the way in December

As the director of a local non-profit organization, I've been aware of First Glance for a long time and over the years have gotten to experience firsthand the transformative impact they have on the lives of so many awesome students and people in the community. First Glance is a staple of the community of Kenmore and has a restorative & tangible impact on the lives of all those who are lucky enough to be involved with it through their various programs, as volunteers, donors, etc. While at times it can seem hard to quantify or put hard measurements on the impact of First Glance on the lives of those who are a part of it, the positive impact of this organization has reverberated for 15 + years and has only gotten stronger over time.

I was a student when it first opened and now volunteer when available. The organization has impacted my life and has shaped me into the person I am today. The organization has dedicated volunteers who take time to invest in various programs that is offered at the center.

Totally dedicated volunteers and staff provide a loving environment that changes the lives of at-risk kids. They have made a huge impact on the entire community

A safe place for students, teen mom's and young adults (often facing difficult circumstances) to meet, connect with caring mentors and receive genuine acceptance! The volunteers at First Glance are fully committed to the young people in the community. This is a truly amazing organization and we love the great work they are doing!

I am a volunteer at First Glance! Love First Glance that is changing teen/young adult lives & the community for the better & for Christ! I have volunteered for a lot of places in my life but non as loving, caring & compassionate as this group...staff & volunteers that give back in so many ways...& even opening up their homes!

I am a volunteer at First Glance in the Young Adult program. As a volunteer, I love the relationships that I have built with the young people and other volunteers who are a part of our program. First Glance offers young people a safe haven. Just a week or so ago, one of the Young Adults mentioned that we are his family. At First Glance we are family. We accept one another for who we are and support each other through the good and bad times. I love this organization and wish every community had a First Glance.

Great people. Great mission. Great Atmosphere. Love to see how genuine the care for the students and the community is at FG. Lives have been changed bc this place was created❤️

First Glance does a great job of reaching out to the youth of the community by providing a place of refuge and fun for those that need a place where they can trust in people who lead them in the direction of knowing Christ.

It's fun and safe and they care about you also help you out anyway they can !!!

First Glance is a place where all are accepted and loved. Lasting friendships and relationships are built. As a volunteer, I feel very much a part of the family. There is geunine love and care between voluteers and students.

I love first glance. It's such a great place filled with fun compassionate individuals

I have been volunteering with First Glance for over 7 years now. In that time I have seen great things come from them. Everything from individual lives being transformed to the entire community as a whole. I'm thankful to be a part of such a great organization and am excited for the future.

First Glance is an awesome place to be. There are many things to do such as, play pool, get on computers, air hockey, and many more fun activities. Definitely deserves my five stars!

First Glance is fun and safe, I like coming to FG to get away from my house and to hang out with friends.

First Glance is a great place for opportunities. I would come if you can.

I like coming to First Glance because its a great place for teens to come meet up with there friends and hang out in a non-violent,safe and fun environment.

As a recent supporter of First Glance, I was drawn to the organization because of their passion for working with children, teens and young adults. The love for the Christ and the community is evident from the support staff down to the volunteers, this is truly an organization that believes in and carries out their mission.

I have been a supporter of First Glance for many years as a financial supporter and more recently as a board member. First Glance makes an impact for the common good of the Kenmore community everyday. What impresses me most is that majority of the staff and a lot of the volunteers live right in the Kenmore neighborhood they serve. Truly the existence of this student center makes the world a better place.

I've been a staff volunteer for a little under a month but before this I was a student leader and spent a lot of my free time here at first glance. The leaders are all amazing I've connected and became very close with a few of them. The programs its self helps a lot of teens that walk through the doors! Love this place!

Looking to help teens, young adults, teen moms, preschoolers, or skate boarders connect to Christ while building a relationship with them? This is the place for you. Many great programs that help meet the needs of the Kenmore community and assist them in life. Making a difference in a person's life is easy at First Glance.

I first became involved with First Glance through my church and was quickly convinced it was providing wonderful programs and services to young people who had great needs. So, when I was asked to fill a board position as a finance person, I accepted the honor right away. The employees and volunteers at First Glance are committed to helping these young people in many ways.

I have been volunteering with First Glance since 2009 and have been employed with them through 2010. FG is impacting the community. Thankful for the all students that come out weekly and the volunteers that give up countless hours to serve.

We started volunteering with the Young Adults at First Glance when our daughter invited us to an evening meeting. That was over 3 years ago and we are still active in this ministry. We have met some wonderful people and have been challenged to live our faith more completely. I challenge everyone to volunteer just one time to see how First Glance is transforming the Kenmore community.

i love first glance . its impacted my life in such a good way. ive met most of my closest friends through this organization. also its just a safe place to hang out and just be yourself and have fun. the leaders are all amazing people. noel has played a very long role in my life. all the leaders are friendly and caring. its somehwere to go when you have nothing else.

I love them. I go to first Glance every week and its the best organization that i have been to ever. They look at all the teens as their kids. First Glance is thier to help all of the students. Its a great place for all the students to go to when they are just on the streets getting in trouble. They need all the help they can get to make all of us better.

I have got a lot of great advise from some of the staff and it is a great place to hang out with friends. First Glance is a great place for kids to go to get away from the troubles of the street. There are so many things that you can do like video games, pool, skateboarding, computers, or just hang out with friends. There is also great food!!!

First Glance is a fabulous organization that was started up in the inner city and caters to young teens who really have it rough. They provide a place to come and have a good time without the use of drugs or other illegal activities. They provide mentors for the kids that are always willing to listen and offer support through difficult times. They offer education as well as tangible items to young mom's who are struggling trying to raise children in a tough environment. They teach kids about Christ's love and encourage them to become involved in local churches where they can learn more and make a difference in their communities. I don't know of a more positive nonprofit organization than this one in our community. We are very lucky to have such wonderful leaders in our neighborhood with a passion for kids and this community.

It's been awesome and I have lots of fun. And help people when they need it. Because I like helping out and making friends.

First Glance is off the charts! I have two boys and still have a lot to learn at teen moms.

I was first introduced to First Glance by my younger sisters. I think it's a cool place for the younger kids to hang with their friends and not be causing trouble.

I came with my cousin for the first time November 2006. I liked it so much that I just keep coming.

First Glance Teen Moms is a wonderful program! I am so surprised that it is not more well known about.

It is great to help at First Glance. I have the privilege to be with youth and share my Christian experience with them. Not only do I share with them, but they inspire me with there enthusiasm. Many of the youth are very excited and dedicated student leaders.

Ummm, I come here when I can. I come to see friends. But I mainly come to skate wonderful reality.

Went to skate at the church since it was wet. There is no sheltered free area to skate in the area besides here and it was a fun night.

I first got involved through y wife who volunteers with Teen Moms. We also did a couple of Friday nights as volunteers. At one time we had a teen mom and her baby living with us. After 2 years helping at various times I became involved as a volunteer leader with the young dads guys here at First Glance.

I like the manual pad and the quarter pipe. I also like the kicker ramp. I'll definitely come back another time.

I love coming here on Tuesdays. When the weather is bad and you need to skate, this is where its at. Friendly staff and good times.

Its a really great program for alll the young moms teen moms to give them some guidence to raising their children

I think First Glance is awesome because they have games, pool, food, drinks, and skate boarding and computers. My favorite is skateboarding because they have every thing. I like the games to that is my review.

I help in the nursery while the teen moms are in their meeting. I have started working with the young moms and hope that I am impacting their lives.

I started comin to First Glance in 2001, I love comin, we do alot of fun things, It's a really nice place to come and meet new people and hang out with your friend the leaders are really nice and they're always there for you!

I hav ea good time every time I come and skate. I mean there is no other free indoor skate park/hangout place to go to when it snows or rains and the people who work here are friendly.

First Glance is great. I love them. They are their to help people and that is great. I love them.

A safe place for kids to skate outside of the streets away from bad influences. The employees are involved with the community and are making a positive influence in the neighborhood.

I've been here since summer. Great to volunteer! Good expousure 4 my kids. Good to serve w/them. We take care of babies during teen moms.

First Glance is a radly fun place. Very nice people. A great and friendly environment. The staff is nice as well.

This place is a fantastic thing for skateboarding and the youth in this area. A lot of great talent is being revealed behind these doors.

I like to skate and have fun here. My friends come and I like to drop in and learn new tricks.

I like First Glance because it is the only skate park in Kenmore. It is the funnest thing in Kenmore. It's amazing.

First Glance is a fun great place for me to skateboard, hang out with friends, and learn about God. It's fun and safe.

I like hanging out with my friends here. Skateboarding is the best sport ever. First Glance is the perfect place to skate.

My first day here was last Thursday and I really enjoyed it. All the volunteers are very helpful. All of the people I met were very nice.

First Glance is fun. I come to skate and hang out . It is a fun park to skate and all my friends come.

It is a great place to be. There are tons of kids always having fun. You can meet lots of new people here and I love just hanging out and seeing who shows up

I helped out a church thing for school that involved helping out kids and doing activities with them along with other things

I love it. Wasabi! First glance is the coolest place to go on Thursday and Friday nights in our area. I love hanging out with all my friends

Every community should have a First Glance ministry. First Glance is a great ministry that connects with kids and meets them right where they are at.

There was a thing with a church and school and I helped out by passing stuff out, filling out papers, and helping to watch kids

I helped them when they asked me to at a church for helping kids spell and write better. I really like coming on thursday nights for pizza

This is the best place in Kenmore to hang out. All my friends come here on Friday nights to just hang out and eat pizza

I am Paige Bukowski and I love the pizza that First Glance gives us on Thursday nights. I also enjoy hanging out with all my friends

First Glance presents a great way for kids to come and be themselves without worrying about what other kids think. It's also a great place for Christian adults to show that they care about the teenagers of a "rough" area. Several members of the youth group and post high school class at my church only came to our church because of the people they had met here. It's a marvelous, well-run organization.

I love First Glance because my brother showed it to me. I have fun hanging with my friends and getting fit while doing so.

It is an alright place to be. I think that this place helps people with problems. I really enjoyed this place for months.

It is fun and cool and to see friends and my boyfriend and I can get out of my house and it is so fun.

I love First Glance because they do everything for us. They give us a lot of food at reasonable prices. I also love to play the video games and pool.

The place is sometimes boring when not a lot of people come because there isn't that much activities. But for the most part it is a good place to hangout at.

I keep coming back to First Glance because I get to hang out with my best friends and it's fun.

They have things I don't have at home to do, and I like meeting the kids who go there. I've made new friends.

First Glance is very fun and gives you time to talk to your friends without being in school. It's really fun here and I love to hang out here.

I love it! It is awesome and it's somewhere to go with no drama. I like to come and hang out with my friends.

I have been coming here for a really long time. I always have fun. I come here for girls group and I never wanna leave. It's a great way to keep me out of trouble.

First Glance is a wonderful place. I get to hang out with my friends. I meet new people. The staff are nice people. The food is great. Also, the games and activities are fun.

First Glance is nice and chill. Good place to sit and hang out. Definitely a good place to come to stay out of trouble.

It was fun. You get to do stuff with friends and with family. I never get in trouble when I am here.

I liked the band because my sister knows them and so do I and I like their music. They have also performed in Summit Mall and we went to see them there.

I like to come here to have fun, hang out, eat pizza, play some. I like this place because of the band that comes to play for us.

Kalahari was the best last year. The best thing about the trip was that I conquered my fear of water slides.

I come here to see friends and because I am really bored at home. I come on Friday to play basketball with my friends.

Because we can play basketball. We can skateboard. We can play the Xbox 360 and the Wii. I like First Glance because we can get on the computers for free.

It's always fun. I like going down to teen moms. I volunteer there. I like coming to Thursday and Friday nights cause I get to hang out with my friends. The staff is amazing.

Helping out here is awesome. I wasn't sure what to expect the first time, but I think First Glance really does help change lives. Jessica Adams is my small group leader and she was the one who introduced me to First Glance. Just hearing how passionate she is about First Glance showed me that something special must be happening here. After coming for the past two Fridays, I can see that it is just what I want to keep coming to - to get to know the people here and be a part of what God is doing in their lives.

hangout with friends, play basketball, pool, games, computer, eating, sitting, writing this paper, talking, and best of all seeing my favorite staff members!

I go to CF with Jess Adams and she invited me to First Glance. I'm really excited to spend more time here.

First Glance is an outstanding center. It a has been a great place for kids to have fun and grow in a solid, safe environment. The staff are a group of dedicated individuals who have a heart for kids in need. My experience has been nothing but top notch. I can't think of a place more deserving of this award.

I run a Street Outreach Services organization in our community. We have visited First Glance to let the young people know about our services in the event they would ever need them, or have friends that are in need. I have been extremely impressed with this organization...the dedication of the staff and volunteers; the organization of the program; the maintenance of the facility; the way they impact the lives of so many youth!

I started with First Glance when it first started i was in the 5th grade. around middle school i got heavy into violence and drugs first glance helped me out of that. they where there for me. they are the best. they did what they did for me because they care that ment the world to me and made me have dreams of going to college.

First Glance is fun, I like eating pizza, getting on the computers, and playing basketball. And coming to First Glance keeps me out of trouble.

I started going here 3 weeks ago and it was fun and I like it here i like hanging out with people.

I thoroughly enjoyed First Glance. All the people there were very helpful & listened to what I had to say. Overall a good experience.

First Glance is amazing! The leaders of this organization truly have a desire to see lives changed by Christ's love. Each leader comes with a genuine and authentic love for each kid from the neighborhood. It is inspiring to see and experience such a positive influence in the town of Kenmore.

Since I started at First Glance I've loved every second I've spent with the kids and volunteers. It is an incredible resource to our community and demonstrates a perfect balance between relationships and programming.

I love first glance because theres so much to do. I love seeing my friends and running around. Some of my best friends are here, and theres amazing people and games and music and special events at First Glance.

Well First Glance is a great place its alot of fun. I've met a lot of people here and many of them where old friends. The staff are great and there really cool. I just love this place.

First Glance is the most awesomest place eva!! I get to see all my friends and going to Kalahari is cool:) So is Noel, Fay, & Marleese! I love them!! Bye!

First Glance is super super awesome. And food is super, super cheap so more people should come her and be awesome like this place.

First Glance does wonderful things in the lives of young adults and the community. This organization truly makes the world a better place!

Always supportive to any youth foundation, Kids today is our future. too many go without any support due to our busy lives, Just let it be known BountyBoys.tv supports First Glance!

As a friend of the Director & her husband, I am pleased to endorse First Glance and their ministry. FG's commitment to a high level of quality in ministry has positioned them as a regional leader that other organizations seek to model.

I am thrilled to be involved with First Glance. The impact that this agency has on the youth in Kenmore is amazing. It would be nice if there were more places around that offered the services that First Glance offers.

I'm alway so impacted by the stories of numerous youth this program helps. I am fortunate enough to be close friends with a few adults in the program who feel called to serve as vessels in this way. I hope their erenst effort to make a difference in so many lives is rewarded in the Youth Thrive Award.

The people that make up First Glance have an obvious passion for loving and developing kids! They know what they're doing and their integrity is unquestioned.

I have been a supporter of First Glance from the moment it began over 5 years ago! I cannot say enough about its director, Noelle Beck & her husband Tim. Their incredible vision, passion and hard work as well as the tremendous support of so many over the years has made First Glance what it is today. Because of this organization kids are discovering love instead of condemnation, hope instead of despair. They are finding safe places to live and work instead of the street or the jail cell.

The leaders at First Glance are so wonderful! They help kids and ask for nothing in return. What an excellent bunch of people.

I love to play basketball here, I love to skateboard, and eat and talk to my friends. I also always make new friends too!

I love coming here, it's so awesome! Every time I have a really awesome time. I always love coming to first glance.

An energized positive environment for teens to play, learn, experience life and build relationships with a committed and helpful staff.

love this place, without it i wouldnt be the person i am today! i love coming every week and skating the most :)

FG is really fun especially skate night. Thursday is fun too. Fridays are better now because we don't have to pay one dollar.

This place is really great! I have a lot of fun hanging with my friends! It is also a great place to get away from your family when you want to.

I really love First Glance because I love hanging our with my friends, skating, playing guitar, and surfing the web.

I met this cool girl named Kitana and she was a very nice person. She helped me around and now she is my best friend.

I like First Glance because it is a lot of fun. And I like to help clean up afterwards. First Glance is a place where I can get out of the house and have fun.

I love this place. I get to have fun in a well organized place like this and the best thing about it is they have video games yea!!!

It is very fun and we all love it because we have a lot of friends here and we have fun.

I love comming here to hang out with friends going to all of the events they have and just how nice and helping all of the staff members are.

As an outsider who has been aware of First Glance, I am amazed at the dedication of the staff and the love they have for these teens. Many teens who would not otherwise have a positive place to spend time, are finding many reasons to go to First Glance. The teen mom program is filling in the gap where there has been a need. Tutoring teens, those at risk, and others adds to the service environment. And of course, the staff, at low or no salaries are so dedicated and know how to provide a fun environment within defined boundaries.

I am a volunteer who cleaned the facility once a week for the past couple of years. I am amazed at the committment of all the leaders and staff. They spend a great deal of effort to instill positive values, help build friendships,and teach respect for the community as well as themselves. It is a safe and enjoyable place for teens to go and learn living skills.

I've been a teacher in a public high school in the area for the past ten years and seen so many at-risk students who can benefit greatly from the work of First Glance. The volunteers make a huge investment in these kids and change the course of their lives in many cases. The local community is blessed to have this organization working to support its young people.

My experience has been of one looking in from the outside as I'm not directly involved in the organization; I clean for them. However, I've seen the commitment the leaders have for these kids to the point of some actually quitting their paid jobs and working for "peanuts" or nothing at all. The leaders are trying to make a difference in the kids" lives. One criticism I have is that they need to stress to the kids that things do not come easy; go easy on things that aren't theirs personally. I'm referring to the furniture they provide the kids with in the meetingplace; it gets beat up pretty bad at times. But I guess we all can be like that!

First Glance leaders not only invest their time but their very lives and here's how! Some leaders have moved into the community,some have given up good paying jobs to work for very little,some have taken students into their homes,some are awakened in the night by phone calls and urgent needs,some find jobs for the students,but all share God's love throughout the program.It is making a difference in the students,their families,and the community.I am privileged to be a part of it.

I like first glance for the block of kids. It is making kids more friendly and it is helping us out when we nothing to do.

I come to First Glance. I was a freash man it was the best thing for me then I become almost leader at the place and shown kids to God.

First Glance is awesome. It has food, games, fun, and people. I can hang out with all my friends here. The staff is nice. They would help u out with everything and i love theme nights.

I love this place coming here all the time, dancing was the best. When halloween came around we had coffin races I loved winning all the time it was great.

My name is Shaylynn. I have been coming here since the 6th grade. I am now in the 8th grade and attending Innes Middle School. My bday is oct. 2

This place is awesome. I love the staff and people their all verry friendly. I love Project Shine, and just getting out and helping the community with first glance and my friends.

It's very fun, exciting, and interesting. I come hear every thurs and fri. There are a lot of people. There is also a lot of games.

I have made many new friends by coming to First Glance. I have a grate place to go and hang out with my friends. It is a grate orginized place for kids to go and have a good time and keep them out of trouble.

I love First Glance. The leaders are friendly and much fun. It is so fun and all of my fam is and tim.

I have a bad past and I need time to myself. I can come and enjoy myself and I can come and injoy myself away from my family to just calm down and have fun. When I come here I can be a kid.

I have made many friends with both boys and girls. I like everyone here and I can trust people here.

Great place to meet people, have fun, and learn a story or two. Leaders help you to straighten your life out and are a great influence. This place does great things and could use all the help they can get.

I like coming here. It is fun. I get to talk to every one of my friends. I enjoy this place.

I think this place is fun. I get to hang out with my friends. And I get to see everybody even people I haven't seen in a while.

It is fun because there are alot of activateys and you can hang with friends and with leders and have fun.

I really enjoy first glance I've made alot of new friends. first glance is a place for me to go and not get into trouble and avoid drama. Also to just get away for a while.

First Glance is a unique place and it may be rambunctious at times. it is still a pretty chill place.

I went to first glance. we wanted to go there so much. I had so much fun. it is so fun.

I really have come to first glance to have a great time with my friends and to get to have time with my girl friend.

The last time I was here it was a great tiem and I have lots of friends here so thank you for being the best club ever.

I love this organization. I love the party. I love to fun. I love the people. I love the pizza. I love the candy. i love the pop. I love the water. I love the fun.

this place is the mad note yo made by god himself and handed to the best people ever the first glance staff. it's fun. be free.

One time there was a guy named Nate, and he would open First Glance on Tuesdays so me and my team could practive Parkour.

I enjoy my time there, but it is getting to the point where I might stop coming because of the annoying little kids. There's too many of them here. They should have certain spots for certain age groups. Then there wouldn't be that much drama as there is now.

Well I have to ay this year was more of me learning what it truly would take being a leader of faith. So I took a lot of time reflecting important things in my life. It's taking a while but coming easier and easier every day. Don't get me wrong it's still so hard, but give I give it my all.

I started coming here years ago. It is a great place and the leaders and the students are so nice.

I have been coming here since i was 12. I've been here since they had the old side. When they started building the new side, they were closed and I couldn't wait until they reopened. They reopened I was so happy because First Glance is so awesome.

I have been going here since 6th grade, been through renovation and every where its a nice place to hang out with friends.

First Glance is tight. I like to play pool and basketball. It is a good place to hang out. It's great!

It's amazing to see what is being done in the lives of the kids in Kenmore! As someone who works in a school I see the challenges faced by teens on a daily basis. First Glance cares for the whole child and provides a safe and positive enviroment for them to grow and mature into productive young adults.

The last time I was here and before that I had a great time and the food is good and I plan to come here alot.

Well the first time I came here with my cuz's. We were havin fun chillin, playing contests, playing games, listen to music and havin a great time. I alwayz have fun and enjoying my time w/ friends and new friends.

I think this place is pretty cool. I have alot of fun. I had pretty good time and some pretty bad times. I like how we can hang out with my friends. Also we can get food. The last experience is when we went to Kalahari.

Well the first time I came here, I was with my friend. She had told me about this club, so I had thought I would join.

I heard of First Glance 2 years ago and have been coming since I've brought all of my cousins here. I love how you get to get on the internet, play video games and mess around.

I found first Glance to really care about the whole child.Mind, body, but most of all Spirit.This meeting place is a safe landing place for all the kids that want to feel they belong and are loved.They aro NOT a throw-a-way item as some think.First glance takes them at face value and gives them hope.

First Glance is a great place for kids to hang out, have fun, and learn in a safe environment. I live in Kenmore and have seen the effect First Glance has had on the community and how it meets the needs of kids. Teen Moms helps young mothers learn how to care for their child (children). They learn how to nurture and teach their young children. The volunteers are dedicated to influencing these young lives in many positive ways.

I'm a volunteer at First Glance. First Glance is a great organization to provide a safe place for the students in the Kenmore area to hang out. The students love to talk and hang out with the leaders and their friends. Just to have somebody they can talk to and who will listen to them and make them feel loved. The leaders care about those students. First Glance creates an environment that a lot of students don't have at home. For the students there are only two important days in the week. Thursday and Friday. First Glance has several other great programs to help the students. Without First Glance Kenmore would be a different community for the youth. First Glance is a safe haven for them.

Well the thing that impresses methe most that they follow Christ's model...Meeting the needs of the people first and then taking care of their spiritual life...not attempting to make choices for the people instead..showing them the Love of Christ and merely letting them know that there is more info available to them about from where that Love comes from and how they can OWN that love for themselves and that is so AWESOME

First Glance is a vital ministry for the teens in the Akron/ Kenmore community. Over the years, growing up in the Kenmore area, I have seen the culture and environment of this area change. First Glance provides a haven – safe place – where teens can meet, socialize with other teens in a supervised area, keeping them off the dangerous streets. The First Glance leaders work closely with area churches providing the teens a solid moral structure for their lives – many of these teens have no structure or guidance from their homes at all. I have watch this ministry grow for the past several years as my daughter has been a youth leader there. The dedication of the leaders is truly amazing. Their hearts ache for the students they become involved with. They become wonderful role models for the teens and show these teens the true love of God. Many teens have totally redirected their lives because of the guidance of the First Glance Ministry. -Diane Corr

First Glance is saving lives - pure and simple. From a basic outsider looking in, I'm amazed at the number of youngsters and young adults who flock to the center. They are in search of things like entertainment, companionship, leadership and love. They find them all at First Glance.

All I can say is WOW! I just had my first experience helping out at First Glance with the teen moms. What an outreach for these girls who are also moms or ready to become moms at such a young and vulnerable age. It has truly opened my eyes to the need for mentoring to these girls. We all know it exists, but to see it first hand was an eye-opener for me. From the moment I stepped into the building, I was greeted and accepted, and I felt very comfortable to be there to help in any capacity. I just hope my being there will in turn help someone else as it has already been a blessing to me. What a great opportunity to be a part of someone else's life, who may have a great need or just need someone to listen to them. Thank you for this privilege to work with all of you at First Glance.

I have been going to first glance since i was in the 6th grade. now im in 9th and theres has been alot of changes since then. they bought the neighbors office and changed it into a huge extension for first glance. there pizza & pop is pretty cheap, you can get the "special" which is 2 pieces of pizza and a can of pop for only 1.25! if you ask me, first glance is what got me to be not shy to talk to other people. this is the best teen center that has ever existed.

This program has a great outreach to the children in it's community. They are available to kids that are being forgotten. The teen mom program helps give these young girls support and answers that they may not receive. When the doors first opened the kids poured in and found a great place to hang out and stay off of the streets. They provide a place to learn morales, and have fun!

I've been volunteering with First Glance for about 6 months and I think the thing that has impacted me the most is the relationships being built there. The leaders truly love volunteering and listening to the teens talk about everything that's going on in their lives. The teens can come and be loved simply because they are who they are. There is NO pretense. These students could choose to do anything with their Thursday or Friday nights. They come to First Glance not because we put on a great show, but because they have deeper needs that can't be met without someone taking the time to listen to their story.

First Glance is a safe place for teens to come and to grow as they are surrounded by Christians. And as a 2 time visitor this place has touched me in a way I would have never imagined I wish every city had a place like First Glance

FIRST GLANCE...truly bleeds their mission. They exists to connect to students in the community. Since the start the MISSION has always been the heartbeat. What is most astounding about this organization is the contagious PASSION (driven by the mission), not only amongst the staff & students, but throughout the community. This passion has acted as a catalyst in a re-focus of community/personal values: family/faith/character...the list goes on and on! In a world, where compromise is commonplace & lack of direction is prevalent...FIRST GLANCE remains steadfast & firm in their purpose! (if you don't believe me--check it out for yourself)

My experience with First Glance has been very eye opening. I get to interact with students each week and see them in an environment they are comfortable to be themselves. It is that type of environment that enables First Glance to effectively reach students and impact them positively. They are comfortable to be open and honest with us and look to us for help.

First Glance is an amazing place for teens to go and make new friends, hang out with other friends and just be themselves. Everyone there always is having fun and if theres something you want to talk to someone about theres always someone who is there to listen. Its also a place to keep kids out of trouble!

Organization provides a great place for kids to hang out and stay out of trouble. The need is extremely huge in the Akron Kenmore area. Volunteers are very dedicated to the students and cause.

I have been working with First Glance for almost a year now and it has been an AWESOME experience! I have gotten to see first hand how much the kids love coming but even more valuable how much the love the leaders! These kids just want someone to love them without stipulations. First Glance provides a safe place for them to get off the streets and receive attention and consideration.

I was at a recent open house at first glance. since last time i was their it has grew is size and it is still to small for all the things that they do. It is a great place for young teen to hang out and stay out of trouble. I think god for helping them with all they do and what they can do in the future.

it the best place to be and it's a hang out place for teenagers and u can eat drinks there is candy pop

I am a part of a local church that supports First Glance with volunteers and encouragement. I was a former leader of an abstinence prevention program in a neighboring community that ended recently due to budget cuts. I have had the opportunity to refer a bunch of the kids that were in my class to First Glance. They were so excited about what First Glance is doing, and even bigger revues from the parents. Parents were relieved to have a place for their kids to go-a safe place. The leadership at First Glance, and their commitment is phenomenal. Talk about a beacon of light in a community.

I'm a thursday night leader, and sometimes on tuesdays. I've been volunteering for a few months now at first glance

I enjoy connecting with students each week. First Glance does a great job in providing a safe environment for local teenagers

I attended a First Glance open house. I am very impressed with the leaders and staff and the many programs they provide. First Glance provides a safe place where teens can go and be shown the love and concern they deserve. The leaders are a positive role model that is missing in so many young lives today. First Glance has creatively used their resources and continues to grow and add new programs. There are to be commended for great impact they have made on the community.

First Glance is supported by our church, located just down the street. First Glance is an outlet to love teens in our community. I am continually encouraged by the stories of changed lives of the students First Glance serves, from teens recommitting to abstinence to forming relationships in a safe environment. The most unique thing First Glance offers is loving teens and bringing them to Christ through non-threatening outlets. It has not only affected and kept literally hundreds of kids off the streets in our community, but it has, in turn, been a beacon of light for the entire community.

First Glance is changing an entire community one person at a time. Through creating many small niche communities led by enthusiastic staff, First Glance gets involved in students and leaders lives giving them hope, love and acceptance.

i have had alot of fun here.i play my guitar here almost every thursday here. my band performed here a few weeks ago. and i always have fun

I have been coming to firstglance since i was 12 now i am 17 years old im about to be 18. Firstglance is a great place to come to, to come hangout with freinds and relax and have snacks, and especially pizza.I remember the first time i was here they had the old side is was so cool the first time i came it was so cool, and i have came since, And i remeber when they got the other part they were closed awhile, and they were rebuilding it. ad when the first time they reopened i was so happy, And when they let us in i was suprised what they did, Firstglance is a cool place and i use to be a student leader but now i am not, But i still come to firstglance because it is so cool, and i aint got much more time to come here.

I absolutly love first glance!! its an amazing place where you can go to be yourself. everyone is welcome which is wonderful and no one here will judge you. this is such a great place and i look forward to coming here every week!:)

It is my home away from place to go...It is so fun. I would invite everyone to come if i could. I have been coming here since i was in the 7th grade and it is awesome...

i have fun and i get to see all of my friends....and my girl friend.then i see alot of other people.that i would like to get to know.

it's a fun place to hang with freinds and neighbore there is skate night there is game systems and there food pop and candy and IT'S CHEAP!

it is fun and i like playin pool and playin video games and playin basket ball and hangin out with my froends

first glance is amazing i love it .. its a fung outgoing place for young adults to just have fun ...

First Glance is awesome. There is so much to do. You always have fun. They have the best activities ever. I've been here almost a year and I have so many memories here already. I love it.

I have never actually been in the building of First Glance to witness everything that goes on. But, I hear positive weekly stories about how helpful this organization is to the female teens I mentor. I also see pictures and hear updates about this program through volunteers that attend the same church that I do. From everything I hear and see, First Glance is a positive Christian experience for everyone involved.

In many communities, youth have only the streets to turn to. In Kenmore, First Glance is keeping youth out of the streets with various activities and programs and provides an equally nurturing experience for its volunteers. Skateboarding, youth fellowship groups, teen moms group, and friday night open house have given opportunities for the youth of Kenmore to stay active and receive guidance. Through volunteering, I have seen how just a couple hours a week can provide guidance to the youth of Kenmore who might bound for trouble or just need some attention. It is more than just standing around as a chaperone; it's talking to kids, playing billiards with them, and giving them an escape from their everyday routine. You may not see the changes in their life immediately, but over time you can see the impact this experience has made on their lives. First Glance is a great program for everyone involved!

"I wish there had been something like First Glance when I was growing up" is a phrase I have often heard since I started volunteering for this organization five years ago. From former troubled teens to FG leaders to visitors attending our Open Houses, all seem to agree that this faith-based student center is making a positive difference in the lives of Kenmore/Akron teens. I like to think of First Glance as a place of "second chances". A second chance to be loved and appreciated by caring leaders when family and friends have not been so loving. A second chance to be loved and accepted when a teen has made poor choices. A second chance to have a FG leader listen to a student's ideas and dreams when no one else seems to have the time. A second chance for encouragement and advice from a compassionate leader when life has not been going so well. A second chance to hang out and just have fun with FG leaders and other students when life seems to be filled with so many problems. Urban teens from various racial backgrounds come together during the week for various programs such as skateboarding, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (encouraging abstinence and self respect), Teen Moms and two nights of general hang out time. It is with these programs that First Glance Leaders build relationships with these teens and model Christ's love to them. Once a month there is Second Look (our version of church), again, a second chance for students to attend a church service who would not normally attend any mainstream church. With our Student Leader Program, First Glance also gives a "second chance" to those students who show leadership skills but may not be given a chance to develop these skills at school. It is exciting that some of our former students desire to be First Glance leaders. For all the above reasons and even more, I think First Glance is the best of the best. God has truly blessed this organization.

I just started helping out at First Glance and it is an amazing program! I love going each week and getting to know and become involved in these kids lives!

This is a great organization for local youth in the Akron / Kenmore area. They provide a place for teens to go to hang out free of charge on Friday nights and it helps keep the kids from doing things they shouldn't be doing and at the sametime gives them a positive influence. Many of the kids around the area I think call the place church because it is Christ centered.

First Glance is an amazing organization. Reaching out to kids/youth in a community that severely needs it, they show love and are great examples to kids who would otherwise maybe never see what that looks like. The amount of sacrifice, volunteering, and love given freely to kids through this organization is amazing. And seeing how some of the kids respond and even eventually become leaders/helpers with First Glance themselves in and of itself says a lot about the effectiveness of this organization. This group is all about letting kids come just as they are, never pressuring them or trying to trick them into being something they are not, yet gently guiding them through genuine love and attention to develop themselves and grow. I was not sure what to expect when I planned on visiting First Glance for the first time, and I was pleasantly surprised and continue to be excited at what they have already done, are doing, and will accomplish in the future.

I have worked at First Glance as a volunteer to help with work projects and also once on their Friday Night programming for their kids. They do an incredible job of reaching out to the kids and just "being there" for them. They don't preach to them, but live alongside them as mentors for kids who often do not have a positive role model. They have skateboarding, Wii game systems, and much more! A great place for kids to go in a safe environment! While they do have bible studies, that is on a different day of the week. They just love on the kids! I recommend them for this reward because they care so much for the kids - when not many people really do in many cases!

I have served either on the board or as a volunteer leader for the past 6 years. Great opportunity to see lives of young people changed for the better over that time. Some of the greatest, kindest, most passionate people I know are involved in this ministry. I love what this ministry stands for.

What can I say about First Glance? Well I'll start by simply saying I love it, a weekly chance to interact with local kids and to instill in them some positive sense of direction and identity; what more could you ask for on a weeknight? How about a chance to play pool or Wii? How about a weekly meeting for teen mothers? How about a night dedicated to skating? How about a monthly meeting that's kinda like church but not quite? I guess I could ask for all those, and first glance has 'em!

First Glance is an amazing place. In a day when we have "throw away" youth and a death culture, First Glance is making a difference. They are meeting a need that the local churches cannot because they meet the youth when they are. The "difference" that is made in one life at a time will be measured in eternity.

the volunteers at first glance are amazing! they are fully committed to the kids who attend and provide a positive and safe environment for kids to build relationships and stay off the streets. they provide a wonderful service to the people of kenmore and the surrounding areas!

First Glance is an amazing ministry that seeks to reach a segment of the population that many view in a negative light- teens. This organization has it all- a group to help teen moms better themselves and thus their children, a program to build girls' self-esteem, activity times when teens came come and hang out, eat, play pool, get on the computer, etc. The volunteers who work with the teens love them unconditionally and try to provide them with a caring, consistent role-model. Most important of all, though, First Glance seeks to get kids connected with local churches to help better meet their spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. I love being involved in the lives of teens and seeing them each week is a highlight for me!

Youth Thrive Award This organization has greatly impacted the Kenmore community. The teenagers are finding adults that accept them and love them unconditionally. I have been involved in this community for over 50 years and am seeing lives changed because of First Glance. These teens need acceptance and love, with direction from adults who care for them. I know the teens will learn how to make better choices in their lives as a result of being involved in First Glance.

It's often said "ACTION speaks louder than words". And, if you want action, First Glance is the place to be. As a former resident of Kenmore, FG is a lifetime dream & prayer of my mother. Great place, great staff, great volunteers, great fun leads to changed lives!! FG is making an impact in Kenmore!!

This organization is based where I grew up and has had an unbelievable impact on the surrounding community. I love the casual atmosphere that allows hundreds of students to feel comfortable enough to show up and just hang out for a few hours. The offerings within the building are top notch, from high definition plasma TV's with xbox and wii games, to a computer center with free internet access. There is also a great area for skateboarding, basketball, and hackey-sack. Really a nice holistic approach to trying to improve the lives of a group of young people that may not have access to all the cool things offered here.

I first heard about First Glance from my daughter. She was helping out on Thursday nights. After listening to her stories of the young lives that were changed and some that were, “a work in progress”. I decided to check it out. First Glance is doing a wonderful thing for the kids in their community. They are changes lives of young people not being reached by traditional institutions (Churches/Government Programs). Before you can change a life. You need to make a connection with the individual involved. First Glance does that.

I have been a long time financial supporter of First Glance and I can honestly say I can't think of a better place for my money. To hear the stories of lives being changed in Kenmore is amazing to me. The impact First Glance has on these teens and the community in general is like that of the apostles when they set out to share the good news. It's so encouraging to me to be a part of this organizatoin and to know that we are impacting lives for the Kingdom of God.

First Glance is an amazing organization that helps keep kids off of the streets and give them opportunities to be mentored in a safe and nonthreatening environment.

I have been going to First Glance for almost three years and every year First Glance leaders has never turned their backs towards me. The leaders helped me so much when I moved down here. I didn't know anyone and they always had their ears opened to talk about anything. They help all the kids that goes there and tries to help everyone. First Glance is all about saftey. They wasnt everyone to be safe and out of danger.

My sister and her husband are active leaders at first glance. I have seen first hand how dedicated and compassionate the people that donate their time really are. They offer a facility and a group of people that is second to none.

Prayers answered! My mother-in- law, Grandma Benn, lived in Kenmore for 50 years and always envisioned a "center" for the youth. She was very troubled that they had a senior center but nothing for her "Kenmore Kids." It time, her prayers were answered through the vision of Noelle Beck. Noelle and her husband Tim had the heart, faith and conviction that God would do an amazing work in Kenmore. Their vision and passion has ignited an entire community. Where there seemed to be no hope for the young people, they have been given hope as volunteers have joined this effort by loving the "Kenmore Kids."

I work with all the people from first glance they make it fun. They are always there to offer support. They always make me feel welcome and like part of the family.

I'm a volunteer at First Glance and I think it is a great place for students to come and hang out. It keeps them out of trouble by giving them something to do on Thursday and Friday nights. They can hang out, play WII or Playstation, play basketball or pool, or even skateboard. It is a place where kids can come and be accepted and loved in a healthy way. The volunteers are really good role models for the students. Some of the students we meet don't have good role models in their lives. I got married last year and I invited a few of the teenaged girls that I had met at First Glance to be a part of my wedding by passing out programs. One girl had never been to a wedding so this was an exciting time for her. The girls really enjoyed being being a part of my wedding day.

I have had a great experience with First Glance. I love how the students can come here so many nights out of the week, that it is right by their high school/middle school, and that they know that they can come and hang out in a safe environment.

I volunteered at First Glance for a few years when I was in high school and college and had a blast getting to know the students and hanging out with the leaders. First Glance is truly making a difference in the lives of the people it comes into contact with!

Helped with a christmas project with the Teen Moms. Enjoyed seeing the interaction between the young moms and their leaders.