Amber Butler sees more than just a teen center when she steps through the doors of the Thomas Toy Community Center.

She sees our collective future.

“This is the next generation,” Butler said of those that make their way to the corner of Yosemite and Fremont to study or converse in the cafe, enjoy the “teen cave”, have new doors opened for them through various programs, or to just hang out with their peers in a safe environment.

Butler believes investing time in offering direction — whether it is learning new art techniques or how to do tasks like bike repair — or simply interacting with fellow teens in a place where smartphones lose their grip, helps strengthen personal growth.

“If we lose the next generation, where will that leave us?” she asked.

It’s not a rhetorical question for Butler.

She is committed to making the Thomas Toy Center marquee mission to “empower every teen who walks through the doors” as the non-profit’s new executive director.

On Tuesday as teens were starting to filter into the center zeroing in on games such as pool or simply chatting with each other sans smartphone in the “teen cave”, Butler was sharing what the community can do to make the Thomas Toy Community Center a success.

Donations are crucial.

And so is volunteering to share one’s passions.

Those volunteer possibilities go way beyond serving as support staff or mentoring teens in  various life skills and interests.

Butler sees a way to actively engage teens in the community.

It is also an effective way to help teens disconnect from their devices and connect with the community and the world.

“Your involvement directly impacts our ability to start programs such as . . .

*mowing senior lawns,

*helping other non-profits in need,

*field trips to local entertainment and events for our youth,

*a scholarship program,

*an automotive repair program,

*growing our art program,

*youth advisory council,

*internship programs,

*career classes,

*resume building classes,

*music classes,

and sporting games against the local emergency response team to name a few.”

The Toy Center was remodeled from the ground up to accommodate  the needs and challenges of today’s teens.

Teens are also the driving force in helping decide programming not only so it is relevant but so they have ownership.

The center serves 7th through 12th graders.

It is open Monday through Friday during the school year. Hours may vary during school breaks.

Butler was born and raised in Manteca.

She is a graduate of McParland School, East Union High, California State University and, the Laurence Drivon School of Law.

Outside of work, you’ll find Butler supporting her son at sporting events, spending time with family, wakeboarding, snowboarding, hiking, or traveling.

Upcoming events

Among the upcoming events at the Thomas Toy Center are:

*The first annual Tommy Awards.

It features a talent side with everything from bands and singers to poetry writing/reading to serving as an evening of recognition for outstanding youth and community members that are making a difference.

Nominations for the social impact awards are on the organization’s website.

*The Tommy Angel Tree.

It’s a Christmas tree that will be decorated with cards of gift wishes from less fortunate teens in the community that people will be able to stop by and select one to fulfill.

More details will be made available as the holidays near.

For more information

If you would like to volunteer, share a skill, take a tour, or partner with the center, contact Butler at (209) 373-6821 or email amber@thomastoycc.org

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com