In 2005, recognizing the urgent need for a place where teens could learn, connect, grow and have fun, Paul and Saskia Epstein began to explore the possibility of creating a teen center in Brookline. The vision was to create a place where Brookline youth could spend their out-of-school time in a safe place with both formal and informal activities centered around academic enrichment, physical activity and socio-emotional health. In this way, the Teen Center would meet the needs of local teens for a constructive, entertaining and affordable place to spend their out-of-school time. Paul and Saskia recognized the importance of having teens at the planning table from the initial phase and knew its success would depend on creating a teen-driven vision and project.