 Magazine Feature
Story
Cameo:
Stacey Spencer, Teen Tyme Productions, Inc.
By Jay Winchester
Published: January 2009
Members of the boomer
generation may recall their adolescent years as a time
of social awkwardness and raging hormones. However,
today’s younger generation faces a whole host of
problems beyond shyness and understanding the opposite
sex. Issues involving drugs, sexual orientation,
recreational sex, peer pressure, gang violence, teen
suicides, toxic parents, poor role models, latchkey
kids, homelessness, and anxiety about their future and
place in the world run rampant through the teenage
sub-culture.
Stacey Spencer thinks it’s
important to understand that not every teen is a bad
kid. What is true is that this current generation of
young adults is looking for people who care enough to
give them some love, guidance and time. Stacey is
working to make that happen. Spencer, a motivational
speaker who also serves as the producer and host of Teen
Tyme Productions, Inc., a non-profit 501C-3 corporation
based in Clearwater and serving young adults throughout
Tampa Bay. It’s a company that seeks to make a positive
impact on teens in hopes of producing fundamental
change. “Teen Tyme’s mission and vision is to help youth
gain access to information, resources, and opportunities
that help them develop into contributing and responsible
members of society,” says Spencer. “Our goal is to
facilitate, promote and provide alternative, innovative,
and creative programs and solutions for youth.”
One way the company seeks to
do this is with a television show called Just Teens.
“The television show was introduced, approved and funded
to compliment our classroom-based program,” Stacey says.
“This multi-faceted show was produced for, about, and
with the involvement of teens. Its format included
interviews, demonstrations, discussions, talent
showcases, and informational or educational segments.
The show provided a way to vividly portray to our
community what teens were doing and what was on their
minds.”
Although the show is
currently in search of a home, Spencer and her company
continue their mission. “No matter where we are, the
camera is always rolling,” says the Kentucky native and
UK graduate. “We are always looking to produce
motivational vignettes for enhancing a young person’s
life.” Currently, Teen Tyme provides a variety of
services and support to and for youths between 12 and 19
years old. Its programs and services are sought by
schools, parochial, private and public; community and
youth service agencies; faith-based and religious
institutions; and civic and social groups.
Teen Tyme’s services
include: Mentoring programs; Leadership training;
Conflict resolution for individuals and groups;
Discussion and focus groups; Retreats, symposiums and
workshops; Inspirational and motivational sessions; and
Faith-based and religious-centered group dialogues.
Spencer’s interest in using
media stems from her 10-year tenure working in radio.
“During my career in broadcasting, I served in various
other capacities in addition to the role of on-air
announcer,” she says. “However, I always had an interest
in community relations and youth development. Therefore,
my career expanded to include roles in the promotions &
marketing department. By serving in these capacities, I
was able to influence the types of events I participated
with in the community. Somehow, I always ended up on
teen duty. It was then that I realized there was not
enough good ‘positive programming’ for teens on the
local and national levels.”
A woman of faith, Spencer
seeks inspiration in many circles. She found it in a
program being produced under the guidance of respected
General Colin Powell. “In 1997, America’s Promise was
developed under the direction of General Colin Powell,”
she recalls. “This initiative served as a call to action
and it prompted me to get further involved in youth
initiatives in my community. This was the direct answer
to my heart’s desire to create the Teen Tyme Productions
concept. My heartbeat involves helping others achieve
their lifelong goals by mastering the 3-D’s For Success
Method: Dedication, Determination, & Discipline!”
Funding remains a challenge,
but not an impossible task. “We started as a small
non-profit organization with so many desires and needs
to help make the business grow, so it was up to me to
convince business people to buy into the vision and
support us,” she says. “In the initial board meeting, I
omitted my desire to even ask for funds. When I spoke at
the second meeting, I found that my words made a lasting
impression. For us, the key to successful fundraising
lies in first building successful relationships.”
Successful relationships.
That’s the end product Stacey Spencer and Teen Tyme
deliver to America’s young adults.
To find out how your company
can assist Teen Tyme Productions in its vital mission,
or for booking information for your school or
organization, visit
www.staceyspencer.com, or call 502.339.1653.
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