Lakota East Teens Benefit from Walkable Options with Edge @ East and Liberty Collective

For students at Lakota East High School, after-school options have just gotten more exciting and convenient. The recent opening of the Liberty Collective, located directly across the street from the high school, has provided a new venue for teens to study, relax, and socialize, complementing the long-standing presence of the Edge @ East Teen Center, which sits just 100 yards away.

Rather than competing for student attention, both facilities have found that their proximity encourages a symbiotic relationship, enhancing opportunities for teens in southwest Ohio.

A Positive Addition to the Community

Sara Gabbard, executive director of the Edge @ East Teen Center, emphasizes that the arrival of Liberty Collective is a welcome development. “It’s really nice to have a new neighbor. And it’s great to have another space in the community … I think it will be positive for our community. We’ve seen our teens go over and get food and then come back over here,” Gabbard said.

The Edge @ East Teen Center, one of two Edge centers serving Lakota schools, has seen an increase in student visits since Liberty Collective opened in September. Teens have been making use of the center for studying, socializing, and unwinding after school, showing that the presence of multiple teen-focused spaces is benefiting rather than diminishing participation.

Liberty Collective: A New Hub for Teens

Liberty Collective’s two-story facility offers a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces where students can gather, complete homework, or simply enjoy a safe place to socialize. Charissa Brinkman, spokeswoman for Liberty Collective, echoed Gabbard’s sentiment, highlighting the cooperative atmosphere that has emerged.

“Liberty Collective is also a great place for the community to work remotely, study, or meet up,” Brinkman said. “The EDGE @ East Teen Center does a lot for the teens in our community. Liberty Collective is proud to support their mission and has been in communication with them about hosting their fundraising events and exploring additional ways we can help.”

Both centers are separate from Lakota Schools but have developed positive working relationships. Before Liberty Collective even broke ground, its leadership reached out to Gabbard to discuss how the new space could fit into the after-school landscape. This early collaboration laid the groundwork for a cooperative rather than competitive dynamic.

Complementary Services for Teens

While both centers serve teens in the area, each brings a unique set of resources to the table. The Edge @ East Teen Center offers dedicated study areas, digital access for homework and career exploration, and lounge and activity spaces designed specifically for high school students.

Liberty Collective provides a versatile venue for teens, combining social spaces with areas conducive to studying or working on projects. This allows students to take advantage of multiple environments within a short walking distance. Gabbard notes, “We’re two different animals,” emphasizing that the facilities complement rather than replicate each other’s offerings.

Additionally, the Edge @ East Teen Center draws students from the Lakota East Freshman School, located roughly a quarter-mile away, further expanding its reach. Teens are finding that having two accessible locations nearby gives them more options to suit their needs, whether that’s quiet study time, a collaborative environment, or casual socializing.

Community Collaboration and Future Opportunities

The cooperative relationship between the two centers has already led to discussions about joint initiatives for local teens. Both Gabbard and Brinkman expressed interest in exploring fundraising events, collaborative programs, and other opportunities to serve the community.

“It was nice to see that [Liberty Collective] were already considering what the area was going to be like during after-school hours,” Gabbard said. “Their outreach before construction showed that they were committed to being a positive part of the neighborhood and supporting the work we’re already doing.”

The collaboration benefits not only the students but also the broader community, providing safe and structured spaces for teens to spend time after school. It also creates a sense of shared responsibility and community engagement, demonstrating how neighboring organizations can work together to enhance youth services.

A Win for Lakota East Students

With the addition of Liberty Collective, students at Lakota East High School now have two walkable, high-quality options for after-school activities. Whether they need a quiet place to complete homework, an area to meet with friends, or an environment to participate in community-focused programs, teens are finding that these spaces provide flexibility, support, and opportunities for growth.

Both facilities have shown that proximity does not have to mean competition. Instead, by cooperating and acknowledging each other’s strengths, they have created an ecosystem that maximizes benefits for local teens. Parents, educators, and students alike are noticing the positive impact of these walkable entertainment and learning hubs.

As Edge @ East and Liberty Collective continue to collaborate and innovate, Lakota East students can look forward to a vibrant, supportive after-school environment right in their own neighborhood—a model that could inspire other communities to leverage similar partnerships.

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