Frequently Asked Questions about the Portal:
1. What do kids learn at Portal 2:20?
While we strive to help instill positive values such as personal responsibility, respect for others, themselves and property, our main focus is for every teen to know and believe that they are Loved, Worthy, Valuable and Enough.
2. Is there a cost to attend?
While we do not charge any teen to attend the portal, registration is required. Donations are most appreciated as there is still a cost to running and maintaining the center.
3. Is there adult supervision and security?
Absolutely. We are always fully staffed when opened with trained volunteers who undergo strict screening including background checks. Our center is also fully equipped with security cameras as well as other safety and security measures.
4. What events does Portal have to offer?
We host many events and activities including karaoke, gaming tournaments, parties, movie nights, laser tag and our Blackout! Annual Halloween event & fundraiser.
5. What is the ultimate goal of the Portal 2:20 Teen Center?
Our mission is to use entertainment to help combat juvenile delinquency and offer mentoring through our volunteer staff who encourage teens by using the teachings of Jesus Christ to create positive and lasting life changes through our actions, attitudes, and communication.
6. Do you have any rules that teens must follow?
A complete list of our rules and guidelines can be found HERE.
7. Where is the Center located?
The Portal was previously located at 108B Zimmerman Ave. in Van Wert, we are now moving to a new temporary space on North Washington St.!
8. How many kids attend the Portal?
We currently have an average of 10-15 students attend on a regular non-event night. Event nights, such as Nerf Wars can average as many as 20-30 students!
9. What does the “2:20” mean in Portal 2:20?
The 2:20 is a reference to the Bible verse in Galatians 2:20 which says “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loves me and gave himself for me.”
10. We have no interest in church, but we are interested in the center, are you churchy?
While our organization is founded on Christian beliefs and our staff follow Biblical principles, we do not require or push any student to believe as we do. We offer a safe, judgement-free space that is welcoming, warm and inviting to all. Our end of the night devotionals are completely optional. Students do NOT have to participate.
11. Does the Portal offer tutoring or homework assistance?
We do not offer trained tutoring, however our volunteers may be willing to help students with homework questions on occasion. We also offer incentives for good grades through our “Portal Credits” system.
12. My child struggles to fit in at school, what is your approach to prevent bullying?
We incorporate many strategies to help combat bullying while helping every student feel welcomed and accepted. Strategies such as constant communication and engaging students in activities or conversation, through our facility guidelines and rules, and offering positive outlets through various activities. We also talk with teens to help work out problems and resolve strife. If you child has any issues with another student or bullying while at the center, please be sure to to communicate with a volunteer or director right away so that way we can work to help resolve any issues and maintain boundaries.
13. My child is hyperactive, do you have physically interactive activities?
Our facility is set up for low impact activities and small scale events. We do not currently offer any sport related or high impact activities at the center.
14. My teen may not be able to attend Portal all the time, is this okay?
Absolutely! Portal 2:20 exists as an entertainment center, not as a club or youth group. Teens are welcome to attend whenever they wish and are under no obligation to participate for any length of time.
⭐️ Portal 2:20 Teen Center is a place for games, amusement and for teens to hang out. It’s also a place parents can use as a reward for good behavior, or keep them home as a form of punishment for poor grades. We exist in an effort to be a positive influence for both teens and the rest of the community. For when teens are bored, we have fun waiting for you!
While our facility may not be for everyone, we do our best to make everyone who spends time with us feel Loved, Worthy, Valuable and Enough.
1. What do kids learn at Portal 2:20?
While we strive to help instill positive values such as personal responsibility, respect for others, themselves and property, our main focus is for every teen to know and believe that they are Loved, Worthy, Valuable and Enough.
2. Is there a cost to attend?
While we do not charge any teen to attend the portal, registration is required. Donations are most appreciated as there is still a cost to running and maintaining the center.
3. Is there adult supervision and security?
Absolutely. We are always fully staffed when opened with trained volunteers who undergo strict screening including background checks. Our center is also fully equipped with security cameras as well as other safety and security measures.
4. What events does Portal have to offer?
We host many events and activities including karaoke, gaming tournaments, parties, movie nights, laser tag and our Blackout! Annual Halloween event & fundraiser.
5. What is the ultimate goal of the Portal 2:20 Teen Center?
Our mission is to use entertainment to help combat juvenile delinquency and offer mentoring through our volunteer staff who encourage teens by using the teachings of Jesus Christ to create positive and lasting life changes through our actions, attitudes, and communication.
6. Do you have any rules that teens must follow?
A complete list of our rules and guidelines can be found HERE.
7. Where is the Center located?
The Portal was previously located at 108B Zimmerman Ave. in Van Wert, we are now moving to a new temporary space on North Washington St.!
8. How many kids attend the Portal?
We currently have an average of 10-15 students attend on a regular non-event night. Event nights, such as Nerf Wars can average as many as 20-30 students!
9. What does the “2:20” mean in Portal 2:20?
The 2:20 is a reference to the Bible verse in Galatians 2:20 which says “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loves me and gave himself for me.”
10. We have no interest in church, but we are interested in the center, are you churchy?
While our organization is founded on Christian beliefs and our staff follow Biblical principles, we do not require or push any student to believe as we do. We offer a safe, judgement-free space that is welcoming, warm and inviting to all. Our end of the night devotionals are completely optional. Students do NOT have to participate.
11. Does the Portal offer tutoring or homework assistance?
We do not offer trained tutoring, however our volunteers may be willing to help students with homework questions on occasion. We also offer incentives for good grades through our “Portal Credits” system.
12. My child struggles to fit in at school, what is your approach to prevent bullying?
We incorporate many strategies to help combat bullying while helping every student feel welcomed and accepted. Strategies such as constant communication and engaging students in activities or conversation, through our facility guidelines and rules, and offering positive outlets through various activities. We also talk with teens to help work out problems and resolve strife. If you child has any issues with another student or bullying while at the center, please be sure to to communicate with a volunteer or director right away so that way we can work to help resolve any issues and maintain boundaries.
13. My child is hyperactive, do you have physically interactive activities?
Our facility is set up for low impact activities and small scale events. We do not currently offer any sport related or high impact activities at the center.
14. My teen may not be able to attend Portal all the time, is this okay?
Absolutely! Portal 2:20 exists as an entertainment center, not as a club or youth group. Teens are welcome to attend whenever they wish and are under no obligation to participate for any length of time.
⭐️ Portal 2:20 Teen Center is a place for games, amusement and for teens to hang out. It’s also a place parents can use as a reward for good behavior, or keep them home as a form of punishment for poor grades. We exist in an effort to be a positive influence for both teens and the rest of the community. For when teens are bored, we have fun waiting for you!
While our facility may not be for everyone, we do our best to make everyone who spends time with us feel Loved, Worthy, Valuable and Enough.