By AMY ADAMS
news@readtherporter.com
Student Impact of Westfield held an open house and ribbon cutting on Wednesday for its newly updated and expanded facility at 536 N. Union St., which is within walking distance of Westfield High School, Westfield Middle School, and Westfield Intermediate School.
Dan Ventling began Student Impact in 1999 because there wasn’t a central place for youth in Westfield to go after school for support, encouragement, and fun. He started with six kids and a mission to help them build relationships through love and acceptance in a safe and consistent environment.
Student Impact hosted an open house at the renovated and expanded facility in Westfield. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
Last year, Student Impact served 700 young people in a space originally built as a three-bedroom house.
“Kids are finding loneliness at volumes and levels that you can’t fathom,” Student Impact Executive Director Danyele Easterhaus said. “But we had gotten to the point that we were having to limit the number of kids because of space.”
Student Impact has always been funded by the community. So, in January of 2023, the organization began fundraising for the renovation and expansion of the existing space.
Work began in May for the $550,000 build-out. On Sept. 8, Easterhaus picked up keys to a beautiful facility providing double the amount of indoor space, including a renovated original structure, finished garage, and two-story addition of roughly 2,500 square feet called The Rock.
“It is twice as good as what we imagined,” Mayor-elect Scott Willis said.
Even with the expansion, the half-acre lot still provides enough space for a large backyard with a basketball goal and fire pit, with plenty of room for kids to hang out and play games.
Easterhaus said community businesses provided in-kind donations valued at $330,000.
Student Impact Executive Director Danyele Easterhaus addressed the crowd prior to the ribbon cutting. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
According to Executive Program Director Brittany Delph, Heartland Growers donated all the plants for landscaping. Lowe’s helped with landscape installation and painting. Chad Huff, owner of CSI Signs, created the custom signage.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Westfield Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Steve Rupp. “It wouldn’t have happened without the help of people and businesses in the community.”
After time for guests to tour the facility, Chamber Director of Partner and Member Engagement Courtney Albright welcomed everyone.
Rupp introduced Easterhaus as the “absolute best leader” for Student Impact.
“We are so grateful for you and not only what you do for Student Impact but for the city of Westfield,” Rupp said.
Easterhaus recognized Delph, Student Life Manager Emily Horkay, Youth Advocate Lead Dom Hackman, and Youth Advocates Mac Whitesell, Trinity Bocklage, and Jaden Bocklage.
“There are so many people who need to be thanked,” she said. “The only way we can do this is with many hands.”
She went on to introduce Willis who has served on the board for over two years and has helped with cleanup on the property for longer than that.
“It takes a village,” Willis said.
Student Impact staff and board members gather as Executive Director Danyele Easterhaus cuts the ribbon. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
In addition to clapping for all the staff members, supporters, vendors, and students, the crowd even gave a round of applause for the next-door neighbors.
The kids who attended the ribbon cutting were excited to see the new and improved space for the first time. One student was already taking advantage of the gaming room, which is part of the addition since Student Impact does not offer Wi-Fi to the youth and discourages phone use.
The first official day for WMS and WHS students will be Monday, Sept. 25, from 3:40 to 5:30 p.m., and the first day for WIS students will be Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Starting on Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 8 to 9 a.m., students can enjoy a pancake breakfast every first and third week.
Visit TheRockWestfield.org to learn more about Student Impact, to register a student, and to find out how you can support the youth of Westfield.