The Kyle Hyland Foundation for Teen Support (KHF) was founded in 2015 after Kyle Hyland took his life at the age of 16. As a legacy for Kyle, the mission of KHF is to establish and maintain a teen center in Benicia where teens can be provided support through social interaction, music, art, counseling, and mentoring.
The KHF realized this goal upon opening the doors of the Benicia Teen Center (BTC) in January 2016 at 1818 Military West, a building rented from the Gateway Church. Unfortunately in June 2017, the BTC had to move out of this space as the church decided to go in a different direction.
After 6 months without a home, KHF was approached by Lighthouse Covenant Church with an opportunity to rent a 4 bedroom/2 bath house ideally located directly across the street from Benicia High School. While the center has no religious affiliation, the Foundation graciously accepted the offer and opened the doors to the new Benicia Teen Center in January 2018.
The BTC serves a vital need in our community. The Benicia Teen Center, “your home away from home,” provides a place for ALL teens to hang out and enjoy themselves in a stress-free and creative environment. BTC offers recreational activities such as movies, video games, and table games (pool, pong, and foosball). Teens also have the opportunity for creative expression through playing numerous instruments or utilizing a full range of art supplies. Free WiFi and Chromebooks are available, and the Center is an ideal location to work on group projects. Low-cost snacks are also available.
KHF also offers classes,Teen Forums and other programs specifically focused on issues pertaining to teens, and has partnered with many clubs at the Benicia High School. Going forward, KHF would like to offer more educational workshops and counseling/mental health referrals and resources to teens and to the community.
The Foundation has received tremendous support from the community, including a grant from the Benicia Human Services Board, as well as generous sponsorship from the annual KHF Golf Tournament. KHF will continue pursuing fundraising and grant opportunities, as the expenses for the new center are significantly more than the previous location. Monetary (one time or recurring donations) and other physical donations are greatly appreciated.
Watch the Kyle Hyland Foundation Video!
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