Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Gatesville resident Whitney Williams, a “Jill of all trades,” recently established a facility called The Hangout, which is a teen lounge where local youth can socialize with one another while enjoying activities and games in a safe environment.
Since moving to Gatesville two years ago, Williams has been expanding her presence within the community after first opening Whitney’s Barbershop earlier this year.
Her goal was to have The Hangout finished before school began, and that is what she did as her opening day was on Friday, July 19.
Williams first came up with the idea for The Hangout about four months ago.
“After seeing my son and his friends at the house constantly with nothing to do, I decided there had to be something that kids could do that was fun and safe in Gatesville,” she said. “My daily routine is to work then spend time with the kids, so I figured why not do that, but for all kids.”
She expressed that it has been a work in progress for three weeks to get the building completely renovated and refurnished.
“I have put (in) very long hours to make this all possible,” she said. “A lot of painting, designing, buying, and putting together furniture and games.”
The Hangout features pool tables, arcade games, music and entertainment, dancing, big screens, and a snack bar.
“I feel like the kids in our community need an outlet to be themselves and have fun without judgment in a safe environment,” she said. “I want these kids to feel safe talking to us, because, sometimes, even my son needs to talk to someone other than his mom.”
During the beginning of the facility’s establishment, it will only be open to 13-to-17-year-olds. At a later date, it will be announced when it is open to everyone.
The Hangout will host five four-hour sessions each week to start with and each session will be a $10 entry fee. All games inside are free, and there will be various snacks and beverages at the snack bar for sale at a reasonable price.
On your child’s first day at The Hangout, it is required to have an adult present to physically hand over the signed waiver and rules sheet. Once the facility has received both forms, your child will then receive a membership card, which will be theirs to have indefinitely.
“The membership card shows us that their waiver has been signed; they will still need to pay $10 for each four-hour session,” Williams said.
Williams said that she would also love to host future community events. She plans to offer themed baking and cooking class parties, which will be open to all ages and genders.
“I will also have a girl’s night out in the near future, and each time I will change the theme or activity, so everyone can enjoy it and not get bored,” she said. “We also plan on having an adult night once a month or bi-monthly; some guidelines will apply, and adults can bring their drink of choice.”
The facility is also available to host birthday parties for all ages.
Williams explained that she will have a one strike and you are out policy for everyone.
“I feel it is the safest move,” she explained. “I will have security every night no matter what event takes place.”
She expressed that she hoped that The Hangout will be something that leaves an impression on everyone - especially local youth.
“This means so much to me personally, because I have struggled as a teen, and I do not want others to have to go through any of that,” she said. “Mental illness is real; my daughter is turning 14 years old in Aug. and struggles severely to the point that she lives in a mental health treatment home and has on and off for five years.”
She explained that she would like to bring speakers to the lounge to discuss important topics with our local youth. “I have had many people reach out to me about this.”
“I think, as a community, we could come together and help as many children as possible,” she said. There are so many people struggling that nobody knows about until it is too late, so let’s join together and fix that.”
The hours for The Hangout are Tuesday and Thursday from 5-9 p.m., Friday from 7-11 p.m., and Saturday from 2-6 p.m. and 7-w11 p.m.
The Hangout Teen Lounge is located at 201 North 7th Street and can be reached by email at thehangoutgatesville@gmail.com.
