“Voices of Change”

At The Wave Youth Center, we’re committed to fostering connection, resilience, and growth in every young person who walks through our doors. Our community is built on stories—moments of courage, friendship, and transformation that define who we are and what we strive to achieve. Below, you’ll hear from students, families, mentors, and community partners who have experienced firsthand the impact of The Wave. These voices capture the heart of our mission and the powerful role of a place where young people feel valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.

My time with observing and working with students at The Wave has left my awe struck and encouraged by the impact on local youth. There is significant research to show the long-term positive health effects of positive role models/caregivers to developing adolescents, and I have lost count of the many moments that I have witnessed the physical and emotional needs be addressed.

The students served by The Wave are met with a caring, loving, and accepting environment that seeks to support and nurture them. The wave also provides significant opporttunities to expand job horizons, emotional development, social skills, mental health, and educational development. I cannot express enough the value, importance, and significant of The Wave in the local community.

Brandon Jensen MS LMFT PACC

Holton has always been a joy in our lives as his family because of his caring nature and his love for all beings.  I always felt like he never had a hard time approaching people and wanting to know others. I have always heard the stories from teachers growing up that he was always trying to be a comfort for other kids that were having a hard time, but Holton himself struggled because those weren’t always the same interactions that were reciprocated from others and he has struggled to learn not to let others take advantage of his kindness. There have been times that Holton didn’t feel like he fit in at school and felt like he had struggled to find his place. 

Holton found the Wave early in his 6th year of school because he had a couple of friends who went as well.  His friend group was expanding, and before long we found that he had made a group of friends that made him feel different about school and life.  Holton was attending the Wave just a couple days a week until his 7th-grade year, there hasn’t been a day he’s missed other than sick days.  He loves the support he receives from the staff and volunteers, the therapy dog, and other students who like to hang out.  Holton has learned a lot of life lessons, has gotten out of his shell a little more, spends less time in front of a screen after school, and most importantly, has so much fun with being a part of something bigger in the community.  

He is growing more as a caring and compassionate human and we can’t be more proud of who he is becoming and can’t wait to see what he continues to do to be a positive force in other’s lives.

I have heard others say they wish their community had a place for their teens to hang out like The Wave, and I never realized we were as lucky as we are in Big Lake to have just that!  

Thank you for all you do for our kids and this community! 

Natalie and Ben T.

My favorite thing about coming to The Wave? Definitely the snacks and fun games! But it’s also just a chill place where I can be myself without any pressure. The adults here really care – they’re always encouraging us and actually want to know what we’re interested in. They find ways to connect with us about things that matter, which is pretty cool.

Since coming here, I’ve learned that I have something unique to offer. I’m starting to feel like I’m likable for who I am, and that confidence is making a big difference in my life. The Wave isn’t just a place to hang out; it’s where I feel accepted and valued.

At The Wave, I feel loved and accepted for who I am. The staff is so kind, and we get to do a lot of cool things. I especially loved the community adventures we had in the summer—it was awesome to be a part of it all!

W.P.

I come to The Wave almost every day. It’s the best place to be after a hard day at school or just anywhere! The workers there are so open and caring. They make you happy and do fun activities with you! They are so nice, and it’s a good place to socialize and make new friends.They helped me fix my friendships when we had a fight, too.

L.D.

Being at The Wave really changes my mood(even my mom notices the change), I am more relaxed after talking with friends and staff, it is such a positive environment.

Carly M.

Being part of The Wave Youth Center has been life-changing for our family. Moving to Big Lake this summer and homeschooling for the first time, we worried about how our kids, who are 16 and 14, would find their footing. They had both experienced bullying in public school, so meeting new people was challenging. But The Wave has been a safe haven – a place where they can be themselves without fear, surrounded by an accepting community.

Since joining, I’ve seen my kids grow in confidence, embrace who they are, and even start to care more about helping those around them. The Wave’s events have also introduced us to local businesses and helped us feel more connected to Big Lake. Supporting The Wave is truly an investment in our youth and our community – it’s a place where young people find their voice, purpose, and sense of belonging.

Lisa Pitkin-Hobday

My name is Lily, and I’m excited to share a little of my personal story and invite you to join me in supporting The Wave Youth Center on Give to the Max Day.

For the past three years, The Wave has been my second home—a place of love, acceptance, and personal growth. It’s where I found a community that made me feel truly welcomed and valued. I’d like to share some moments and experiences that have shaped my journey at The Wave.

The Wave has been a lifeline for me and numerous other young individuals navigating the complexities of our teen world. For me personally, it was the devastating loss of my brother. Molly was and continues to be my rock throughout this challenging journey. She understood the profound impact this loss had on me and my family because she, too, personally experienced the heartbreaking loss of my brother, and just got it. Molly and many others here have made a big impact on how I cope with life’s challenges, not just limited to the loss of my brother. The skills and coping mechanisms they have taught me are tools I carry with me every day, helping me navigate through life’s toughest moments.

Lily

I come to The Wave because it is a safe place to go whenever I need to get away and have a welcoming community to go to. It is a place to get to know others better and process my thoughts.
Maddie

I come to The Wave because it’s like a second home to me. Here, I can be myself without any judgments. The staff are like my ‘other’ family, always ready to listen. I can talk to them about things I can’t at home. Plus, there are so many cool activities and programs to get involved in, from art to games and tournaments. It’s a place where I feel safe and accepted, and where I can make new friends.
Dillion J.

My name is Steve and I’m a social worker at Sherburne County. I have referred three youth to The Wave since it’s opening 4 months ago and am very pleased with the services the kids are receiving there. One youth that I’m working with is fairly new to the community and it hasn’t been easy for him to meet new people and make friends. His parents have been encouraging him to get out more and try new things and he made his first visit to The Wave about a month ago. He has found a safe and supportive environment at The Wave and tells me that he really enjoys going there. In fact, he enjoys it so much that he goes every day after school.  The Wave offers a variety of services such as life skills, social skills, academic support and vocational skills. The kids I have referred there tell me they like everything that’s offered but particularly like going and just hanging out and being with their friends and peers in a welcoming and friendly place.  I’ve also noticed that the kids feel connected to the community and this sense of belonging and support is vital to their positive social development.  I’m a proud supporter of The Wave and am grateful we have their program in our community.

-Steve Oie, MA

Sherburne County SW

I like having a safe place to talk about things with people who care about me. I feel like I belong and are accepted here.

Krista F.

My son has always struggled to fit in, and middle school has been especially tough for him. The Wave gave him a place where he feels accepted and understood. He comes home talking about his friends and the mentors he’s met, which is something I never thought I’d hear. The support and genuine care he’s received have made a huge difference not just for him, but for our whole family. We’re so grateful for a place that truly cares about kids’ well-being. — Jamie

My reason for wanting to volunteer at The Wave is a deeply personal one. Middle school and high school can be a challenging time for kids. I had a really difficult time navigating through this time in my life and would have benefited from a program like The Wave in my community when I was growing up. I wanted to volunteer to be a positive role model for the kids, be a listening ear, a safe adult person to go to for advice, or a calming/fun presence to do arts and crafts with. Having a presence like that in my life as a kid would have been so incredibly helpful that I hope I can be that type of person for them in their lives.”

Heather Michels

Hanging out with friends and staff makes me feel happy and loved. Bonus, it is a great way to make new friends!

M. L.

 I like to get there early to talk to the staff about my day, the good and the bad.

C. B.

I come from Monticello after school to chill, decompress, and process my day with the staff and volunteers in a place I feel comfortable. I have made lots of new friends and I can focus better here and get my homework done.

Breanna

At The Wave, I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by incredible mentors who guide me through everything from academics to personal challenges. Karan, especially, has been an amazing mentor. She’s not only helped me do better in school but also taught me how to stand up for myself and navigate life with more confidence. The Wave has given me a safe, supportive space to grow, and I’m so grateful for it.

V. K.

I feel privileged to be able to contribute to the Wave Center in Big Lake through donations of time and product that enriches the lives of the young people who attend this facility. It is rewarding to see the enthusiasm and curiosity in these kids when I bring journal-making materials for them to assemble. They are truly a delightful bunch!

Thank you to the staff and the community for making this facility available for the kids.

Nancy Kjellberg

As a proud member of The Wave community and currently serving as a student liaison, I’ve had the privilege of seeing just how much this youth center changes lives. The Wave offers so much more than a safe space – it creates a true sense of belonging.

I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this community, which has become like a family for so many young people. Here, each of us finds the support, connection, and acceptance we need to be ourselves. The Wave has a unique way of meeting every youth where they are, offering exactly what they need to thrive.

Lily

Life’s thrown me a lot lately – from dealing with a parent’s mental illness to going through some tough family losses. It hasn’t been easy, but The Wave has been my rock through it all.

Meeting with my mentors and with Brandon, the mental health professional here, has changed everything. At first, we talked a lot about grief and the complicated feelings around my family’s situation. But over time, our conversations have grown to include things like resilience, coping skills, and learning to take care of myself. These moments are more than just helpful – they’re what keep me going.

J. N.

Because of The Wave, I’m more confident and positive. I’m connecting with people, giving back to my community, and even stepping up to apply for student council. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am without this place. To everyone who supports The Wave, thank you for giving me and so many others a chance to grow and feel like we belong.

Amber J.

The Wave has been a transformative experience for my daughter. She started out shy and unsure of herself, but through her time here, I’ve seen her confidence grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined. She’s now taking on leadership roles, helping with events, and even mentoring younger kids. Seeing her step up like this and take pride in her strengths has been amazing as a parent. The Wave has given her the tools and the courage to truly believe in herself.

Michelle P.

“As a parent, I can’t express enough gratitude for the support and guidance our family has found at The Wave. My son has always struggled with social situations, but since coming here, he’s built friendships and developed skills to handle challenges with so much more resilience. It’s not just a place he goes to hang out – it’s a community that has helped him feel understood and valued. He comes home happier and more engaged, and I know he’s in a place where he feels safe to grow.

Susan L.

Honestly, I never really thought about what I wanted to do after high school – it always felt so far away and kind of overwhelming. But since I started coming, I’ve learned about so many different careers I didn’t even know were out there. Workforce Wednesday has been awesome! I’ve met people from all kinds of jobs who actually share their advice and experiences with us. Now, instead of just being stressed about the future, I’m actually excited, and I have a better idea of what steps I need to take to get there.

Jeremy K.

We volunteer at The Wave because we enjoy interacting with the students and believe in the organization’s mission. I found the middle school years challenging and know I would have benefited from a program like The Wave, where students can feel wanted and accepted.

Kate and Butter (one of our therapy dogs)

Before I started coming to The Wave, I was super anxious all the time and felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere. It’s easy to feel really alone, especially with all the mental health stuff. But The Wave has helped me so much. The mentors here actually listen, and hanging out with other kids who understand what I’m going through, and, they don’t make it weird, makes me feel like I’m not alone anymore. I’ve learned a lot about dealing with my anxiety, and now I have people I trust to talk to. It’s like having a second family that just ‘gets me,’ and that’s changed everything for me.

Corey A.

My daughter has gained so much confidence since joining The Wave’s programs. She’s learned practical skills through their special programs and has discovered a love for STEM that we never saw coming. But most importantly, she’s found a sense of belonging and purpose. The staff are warm and encouraging, and it’s clear they genuinely care. As parents, we couldn’t ask for more than a place that helps our daughter feel valued, safe, and capable of achieving her dreams.

Liz

When I moved my publishing company’s office into the same building as The Wave, I had no idea what kind of impact The Wave would have on my life. Nearly every day, I see these Big Lake kids and get to chat, laugh, and learn—and complain about our days. I absolutely love being able to be an ear for these kids and to teach them new things about writing, publishing, crochet, crafting, and just life in general. Seeing the challenges and growth these kiddos have gone through over the past few years has helped me in ways I’ll never be able to express. I’m so excited to continue my journey with The Wave as a member of their Community Engagement subcommittee in 2023. As long as The Wave allows, I’ll be there.

Karan H.