SEL Therapy manager Lydia Chatmon is determined to make the teen night spot and activity center a safe place for area youth to go for fun on Friday or Saturday nights.

The purpose of the night spot, Chatmon said, is to try to alleviate the problem of teens hanging out at area adult nightclubs and getting into trouble.

“We want to give these kids a safe place to go, and not put the liquor licenses on the line at these adult nightclubs,” Chatmon said. “Security will be strictly enforced and the local police will also be working with us to secure the safety of the building.”

Since opening on Dec. 18, Chatmon said SEL Therapy has already attracted teens from across Dallas and surrounding counties.

“We’ve had a really excellent turn-out,” Chatmon said. “Christmas weekend was really great. Teens from all over came by to hang out.”

SEL Therapy also has plans to donate funds to school-sponsored organizations and groups by hosting various events.

This Friday SEL Therapy is hosting an after party following the Selma vs. Southside basketball game this Saturday. The school with the most representation will be awarded a cash prize.

“This is just a friendly competition,” Chatmon said. “It’s not a nightclub atmosphere. We have a couple of pool tables and we’ll be selling fruit drinks. It’s a place to bring the young people together.”

At the Saturday night party, which is set to begin shortly after 9:30 p.m., local radio personality D-Mo will be providing entertainment.

Chatmon said SEL Therapy, located at 1211 Alabama Avenue, is open to teens of all races, creeds and backgrounds.

“One of the primary goals of SEL Therapy is to provide a facility that would…bridge the gap in race relations, promote the idea of leading a positive lifestyle and provide entertainment alternatives for youth.”

For more information about SEL Therapy, including booking and tentative programming, contact the facility at 875-7576 Wednesday through Friday from 1 p.m to 5 p.m.