Toledo native opens community center for young women, inspired by her own story

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – A Toledo woman is turning her own life challenges into support for the next generation. Her new community center opens this weekend with a focus on mentorship, confidence and opportunity.

The HER Center is a newly renovated space on Upton Avenue where girls ages 8-21 can get inspired, build confidence and get connected to services in their community.

When you walk through the door, you’re welcomed with smiles and bright colors. But the HER Center’s mission goes beyond a beautiful room.

“I’m just hoping to be that village for them,” said Tia’Tiauna Fuller, founder of ‘The HER Center.’

Fuller is a qualified behavioral health specialist who grew up in the same neighborhood. She said she wanted to create a safe space for teens and young women.

Fuller already runs an after school program called Golden Girls, connecting young women to behavioral health services.

“That’s been doing really well, we’ve been changing lives,” Fuller said.

That program will now run out of the building, but the center will have drop-in hours, too.

Fuller said she was inspired by her own struggles.

“I was a high school drop out because I had a baby, my escape was that I just started working at 14 and a half. That was my escape from being in the streets,” Fuller said.

Fuller said she wishes something like this existed when she was a girl. She ended up turning her life around, getting her diploma and college degree.

“I just got a passion to cater to other people,” Fuller said.

Among the offerings of the HER Center: a computer lab “to build resumes and apply for jobs,” a glam station to teach hygiene and self care, and a stage to practice public speaking and to build confidence.

The grand opening is Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at 3727 Upton Avenue.

“We’ll have some food trucks outside, some activities, it’s open to the community,” Fuller said.

For more information on the Golden Girls upcoming summer program, click here. Fuller says to message their Facebook inbox to sign up.

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