Pictured above, Anderson community youth help in the preparation and setup of One180, a club that provides a safe, drug-free environment for youth to hang out and socialize.

Whitney Tomlin knows today’s youth have many choices to make. Drugs and alcohol are not always easy to stay away from, especially when kids have nowhere positive to go. Tomlin is looking to change all of that with a turnaround new program – a One80.

Born from the ideas of local youth and the pocket of an anonymous benefactor, One80, the new youth hangout in Anderson, is a place for teenagers to enjoy time with friends without the typical pressures. Tomlin was called upon to lead the organization and head up the student-driven Board of Directors.

“I was going to local football games and kids would tell me that other kids were high,” Tomlin says. “Kids on drugs need Christ in their lives, and the things they do now, well, we’re looking to change all of that.”

Tomlin, a member of Cairo United Methodist Church, says the hangout isn’t looking to take away from local churches. “We want local churches to know and be involved,” she says. Their mission is “to propel the young adults into a home church with which they are able to build a relationship with Christ.”

Why One80?

“We prayed over that name,” Tomlin says. “When you come to Christ you take a 180 turn for God.”

And that is exactly what 15-year-old Emily hopes to see.

“I see young girls mess up their lives so much. I want something better, and when I have kids, I want to be able to tell my kids there is something better,” Emily says. “One80 is a safe environment for me and my friends. But it’s fun, you’re gonna want to come,” she says.

Emily wants other young people to know that if they come to One80, they will be blessed.

“Maybe not right away, but if they open up to something new they will be blessed,” she says. “You can be secure when you have Jesus.”

Local youth can listen to Christian bands like Unchained, who recently played at SoulStock, a North Alabama Christian music venue. Other bands and singers will be featured every Friday night.

There will also be a gaming area with pool tables and ping-pong. A concession stand will serve items like frappuccinos, chili cheese fries, and hot dogs. The rules are simple: no fighting, no “cussing,” no alcohol and no tobacco. Parents can feel secure in that kids will have to sign in and out to leave the club.

One80 is planning an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. today for parents and anyone interested in checking out the new club. Refreshments will be served. One80 is located on Alabama 99 in the Anderson Community. For more information about upcoming events you can check out the website at www.1-8-0.org. A grand opening is set for Oct. 19, but One80 will begin serving young people Oct. 5, from 6 p.m. to midnight.