Northfield Union of Youth Expands Services with New 'Lock' Resource Center

The new facility will offer life skills, academic support, and expanded counseling services for local youth.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:20pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of a youth counseling couch repeated in a grid pattern, using bold neon colors and heavy black outlines to create a modern pop art representation of the new Lock facility's mental health services.The vibrant new Lock youth resource center will bring expanded services and programming to support the needs of young people in the Northfield community.Northfield Today

The Northfield Union of Youth is expanding its services with the opening of a new youth resource center called The Lock. The new facility, located next door to the organization's existing youth center, will offer a range of programming including life skills training, academic support, and expanded mental health and substance abuse counseling services. The expansion is the result of broad community support and input from the youth participants themselves.

Why it matters

The new Lock facility represents a significant investment in supporting the needs of young people in the Northfield community. By providing comprehensive services and resources under one roof, the Union of Youth aims to create a welcoming and functional space that can meaningfully address the challenges facing local youth.

The details

Renovations are already underway at the former Northfield Pharmacy building that will house The Lock. Key features of the new facility include a fully ADA-compliant shower, a Lemming Learning Lab for academic support, and expanded counseling services led by a new full-time licensed marriage and family therapist. The Lock's name reflects its mission to provide Life skills, Opportunity, Counseling and Knowledge for local youth.

  • Construction on The Lock is currently underway.
  • The new youth resource center is expected to open in the coming months.

The players

Northfield Union of Youth

A local nonprofit organization that provides services and resources for young people in the Northfield community.

Kelli Podracky

The executive director of the Northfield Union of Youth, who is overseeing the expansion and development of The Lock facility.

Rebecca Krug

A licensed marriage and family therapist who has been hired as a full-time clinician to provide mental health and substance abuse support services at The Lock.

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What they’re saying

“That was something the kids really pushed for. Seeing that start to come to fruition is pretty incredible.”

— Kelli Podracky, Executive Director, Northfield Union of Youth

“The past two and a half years have demonstrated how much is possible when a community rallies around its young people.”

— Kelli Podracky, Executive Director, Northfield Union of Youth

What’s next

The Northfield Union of Youth plans to hold a grand opening celebration for The Lock once renovations are complete and the new facility is ready to welcome youth participants.

The takeaway

The expansion of the Northfield Union of Youth's services through The Lock represents a community-driven effort to provide comprehensive support and resources for local young people. By listening to the needs of youth participants and leveraging broad community partnerships, the organization is poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Northfield's next generation.