Short Stop Youth Center

The staff here is doing an amazing job working with the local youth! They provide a huge variety of fun but educational options from live theatrical performances, music/​vocal programs, homework help & reading, dance, computer labs and more! Keep up the great work Short Stop!

Non-​profit after school center for ages 7 – 18. Arts programs include Music (guitar, drumset, piano, and voice), Theater, Art, Dance, and African Drumming. Tutoring and recreational activities are also offered.

Short Stop is an invaluable center in the Short North. This is a haven for city kids ages 7 – 19. Short Stop caters mainly to low-​income families. They have lots of programming for youth, but they place a major focus on art. Walk by their building, formerly a church, and you’ll see their painted butterfly door, inviting colorful benches, chalked steps, and lively characters lining the back wall near the basketball court. All of this art was created by the Short Stop kids.
Short Stop also sells blank cards and Christmas cards featuring art by young artists. On the back of the card, you get a photo and a description about the child who created your piece. It’s awesome. I love seeing what comes out of these kids minds and then reading about who they are and how they view life. The cards are affordably priced too.
About a month ago, Short Stop did a fundraiser with ROY G BIV Gallery. They collected people’s old wooden and storm doors and painted them in the Fireproof Records parking lot. They then sold them to passersby or back to the people who donated the doors in the first place. Some of the paintings were very mature. I could definitely see direction there.
Other art programs include vocal and theatrical groups.
Short Stop also offers homework help, supervised recreation, and allows a bit of computer time so the kids can gain experience and familiarize themselves with the digital world. I’m sure some of these kids’ families can’t afford a computer, so Short Stop really helps them keep up with their peers from this perspective.
As cliché as it sounds, Short Stop gives city kids alternatives. It keeps them busy so they’re off the streets, away from drugs and delinquent behavior. It allows them to have mentors and positive role models. It allows them to form bonds with other kids who are like them.
Short Stop is just a great facility.