At Roots Management Group, community is about more than providing homes, it’s about creating places where people feel connected, supported, and cared for. At Eagle Creek, Community Manager Kowanna Williams saw a challenge many neighborhoods face: older kids and teens needing a safe, positive place to spend time after school and during the summer months.
Instead of focusing on complaints, she focused on solutions.
Kowanna's Regional Manager Tricia Shannon loves that Kowanna has a vision to help the community and is taking this and running with it.
The result was the creation of the Eagle Creek Kids Lounge and Fun Fridays, a growing program that is already making a meaningful impact on the community.
For Kowanna, the idea is personal.
“What inspired me to create this space was simply wanting to give the kids in our community a safe and positive place where they could just be kids,” she shared.
Growing up, Kowanna attended a youth club every afternoon where a mentor named Mr. Keith became a positive influence in her life. He organized events, helped with homework, and created a place where kids felt encouraged and supported.
“Even spending just a few hours there every day kept me out of trouble and gave me guidance and encouragement,” Kowanna explained. “I wanted to bring that same feeling to my own community, a place where kids and teens feel supported, uplifted, safe, and welcomed.”
The Eagle Creek Kids Lounge was designed to give older children and teens a place where they feel like they belong.
“Older kids and teens need positive spaces where they feel seen, heard, and valued,” Kowanna said. “Sometimes they simply need somewhere they can relax, connect with friends, get support, or just know there’s an adult who cares about them.”
Every Friday, the lounge hosts activities including:
The events are completely free for residents and include snacks and refreshments. During the first movie night, kids enjoyed pizza and popcorn while spending time together in a safe environment.
Kowanna has also partnered with local businesses, contractors, and city organizations to help support the growing program.
One of the most meaningful additions to the lounge is a simple suggestion box.
“I want them to feel included and know this space was created for them,” she said.
The response from parents and residents has been overwhelmingly supportive.
“Many parents appreciate having a safe and positive environment for their children,” Kowanna shared. “Residents have shared how much they enjoy seeing kids involved in productive activities and building friendships instead of just wandering around the neighborhood.”
Even in its early stages, the program is already creating change.
“Since starting the Eagle Creek Kids Lounge and Fun Fridays, we’ve already noticed a decrease in complaints about children in the community,” she said.
More importantly, Kowanna is seeing confidence, friendships, and mentorship begin to grow.
“One student who really stood out to me is a young man who is testing two grade levels above his current grade,” she said. “He often comes to the office just to quietly do homework and spend time in a positive environment. Moments like that remind me why this program matters.”
Programs like this are also strengthening relationships between the community team and younger residents.
“The kids know our office doors are always open to them,” Kowanna explained. “When kids feel comfortable around us, they communicate more openly and see us as people who genuinely care about them.”
She says some of the most rewarding moments happen during everyday interactions around the property.
“When I’m outside doing community cleanups or riding through the property, many of them stop talking to me about their day or even offer help,” she said. “Seeing them step up, show kindness, and support each other has been incredibly rewarding.”
As summer approaches and school winds down, Kowanna hopes the Eagle Creek Kids Lounge continues to give children something many young people desperately need — connection, encouragement, and purpose.
“I hope they take away friendships, confidence, mentorship, and a sense of community,” she said. “Most importantly, I want them to know they matter and that there are people who believe in them and support them.”
Her message to other community managers is simple but powerful:
“Invest in our children the same way we hope someone would invest in us. These kids are our future, and sometimes all it takes is one caring adult, one safe space, or one positive experience to truly change a child’s life. Creating opportunities for them is always worth it.”