Founded in the Fall 2016 as Teen Talk, i response to youth suicides in Taos, the project evolved to Common Grounds by winter 2018, to develop "A safe haven by teens for teens, to socialize without danger and have access to healthy recreation." It is teen focused, managed by teens with adult support as needed and legally required.
Sponsors are creating an off-site teen gathering place that includes a coffee house, meeting space, and activities. Common Grounds currently supports gatherings with Teen Talk every Wednesday evening, monthly overnight, supervised lock-ins, and various other activities at St. James, such as referrals to professional counseling as needed and suicide intervention.
For additional information, go to TaosCommonGrounds.org, built by the participating teens.