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.