The Club is a substance-free Butler hangout
Tanner Plint, 10, dashed from an arcade game to pool to the dart board, chatting with everyone he passed.
"No one has this stuff at home," he said, motioning toward the games and snack bar. "It's a good place to hang out."
Plint has spent every day at the Club, a substance-free place in Butler for people of all ages, since it opened last week.
Jeremiah Schmidt, 12, sat nearby and methodically plunked down the buttons of Guitar Hero, hitting nearly every note.
"One of my friends told me about this place, so I came," said Schmidt, pausing to look up from the video game's screen. "I'm glad I did because it's awesome."
Owner Troy Daniels was hoping for such a reaction to his new hangout at 312 N. Main St. Daniels has seen firsthand the devastating effects of drug and alcohol abuse and hopes to combat the problem with the Club.
"There is a drug problem here," Daniels said. "My goal is to give people something fun and safe to do."
Daniels said he is partly inspired by what he witnesses with the Prayer Warriors, a roaming ministry that brings prayer to neglected areas.
The group is run by the Cup of Christ Mission, where Daniels recently served as intern pastor.
"We've seen throughout the entire city that the kids have nowhere to go," Daniels said. "This gives them a safe place to hang out where they don't have to worry about drugs or alcohol."
With the help of about four volunteers, Daniels monitors visitors and oversees games and activities, which are free.
Most of the funding comes from private donations, Daniels said, and money brought in from refreshment sales stays in the Club.
The Club opens at noon seven days a week. Visitors younger than 18 must leave before 9 p.m., while adults can stay until midnight.
The first week has gone smoothly and attracted dozens of people, Daniels said.
The brightly painted room holds several arcade games, along with a foosball table, pool table, dart board, snack bar and video games.
Raising her voice above the pounding jukebox music, volunteer Kristin Nolder said she doesn't mind the commotion.
"I'm just glad to give the kids a place to hang out," she said. "I'd rather have the kids in here than out on the streets."
Joe Butler, 16, heard about the Club and offered to volunteer right away.Butler said he looks up to Daniels because he's making a difference without asking for anything in return."He could be doing something like this for profit, but he's not," Butler said. "The kids really need this."Butler said he hopes the Club attracts some regulars."There are kids I know around here who are doing drugs, and I want to see them here instead," Butler said.The Club is already having that impact, said Daniels' 13-year-old daughter, Tayler."Some kids I know that get in trouble were here the other day instead of doing other things," Tayler said. "That made my dad happy. It means a lot to him to have this place."To maintain control of the crowds, Daniels installed surveillance cameras inside the building and hired security staff from a private agency to manage the door."That's why I feel safe and confident having the mix of adults and children here," he said.No outside food or beverages is permitted, and there is a zero-tolerance policy on violations of the posted rules.There are few places for adults to socialize without alcohol present, which can be difficult for those committed to sobriety, Daniels said."After going to a meeting, it's really hard to just go home and sit," Daniels said. "They are in need of prayer and someone to talk to."The Club is based on Christian teachings, but religion will not be pushed, said Daniels, who says his main job is to serve as a role model and friend to the visitors."I'm just getting to know them, but it's already kind of like one big, happy family. Just seeing the smiles on their faces, that was pretty powerful for me."
