The Wave Youth Center: Expanding Services with a New Facility
The Wave Youth Center has experienced significant growth, and our current facility no longer meets the needs of the youth we serve. Limited space restricts both the number of students we can welcome and the range of programming we can offer. This project is not simply about expanding square footage—it is about strengthening our ability to serve youth through mentoring, connection, and meaningful opportunities for growth.
The new facility will expand access to mentoring, workforce development, and community-based mental health support, creating a consistent place where youth can build relationships, develop skills, and stay connected outside of the school day. It will also allow us to deepen partnerships and respond to the evolving needs of both youth and the broader community.
In 2024, The Wave received a $1.8 million Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) award through the support of U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar. This funding has allowed us to complete required environmental review and move the project into the final stages of design and engineering. Additional funding is needed to move into construction and bring the full vision to life.
The facility is intentionally designed to support both long-term sustainability and immediate community use. Plans include flexible program space, areas for recreation and gathering, a commercial kitchen for programming and community use, and opportunities for earned revenue through leasing, event rentals, and future entrepreneurial initiatives. These elements help support long-term operational stability while maintaining a strong focus on youth development.
This project reflects a true community effort. Local residents, partners, and leaders have contributed to site exploration, early design conversations, and ongoing planning. The Wave continues to collaborate with community members, local government, and partners to ensure the facility reflects shared priorities and long-term community benefit.
The new facility will be over 27,000 square feet and will include:
- Program spaces designed for a variety of activities
- Technology and innovation lab
- Creative arts space
- Mental health and well-being space
- Gathering and recreation areas
- Education and workforce development space
- Entrepreneurial and vocational lab
- Approximately 6,400 square feet of leasable space
- Commercial kitchen for programming and community use
- Large recreation and event space
- Office space for staff
- Eco-conscious design elements
The goal for this project is to complete the facility debt-free and to follow a design philosophy grounded in the following principles:
Longevity – The building will serve as a lasting asset to the community, maintaining both function and quality over time.
Reliability – The facility will be designed for consistent use, with minimal unexpected maintenance and manageable long-term upkeep.
Aesthetics – The space will reflect the pride of the community and serve as a visible example of what is possible through collective effort.
Economics – Efficient systems and thoughtful design will reduce both operational costs and environmental impact.
Functionality – The facility will fully support the mission of The Wave Youth Center and the needs of the youth and community it serves.
Committee Members
Molly Schroeder
Co-Lead
Molly is the Founder and President of the youth center. She was raised in Ham Lake Minnesota but moved to the Big Lake area in 1996, got married and started a family. Molly is an experienced and passionate professional committed to this community and the youth. She has two masters degrees specializing in children, youth, mission, and leadership, and her Doctorate in Transformational Leadership.
Robert K. Eddy
Co-Lead
High School: Big Lake
Baccalaureate Degree: University of Minnesota, Electrical Engineering
Post Graduate Education: St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Master of Arts in Management, Master of Science in Telecommunications
Occupations: 1974-1985 Westinghouse Engineering, Field Engineer (power systems, oil processing, steel mills, oil refining, etc.)
1985-2009 Sherburne Tele-Systems, President, retired (family owned telecommunications company, sold in 2009)
Hilbert Communications, Green Bay Wisconsin, Board Chair (wireless internet and tower site company)
Dynexus Technology, Board of Directors (large battery life monitoring company)
University of Minnesota interests:
Your University of Minnesota Golden Gopher men’s hockey, women’s hockey, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, volleyball, football teams
Medical School – Endowed Chair in Resuscitation Medicine
Medical School – Mobile Cardiac Cath Lab and ECMO Unit Design Team
Solar Vehicle Project Advisory Committee Chair
School of Public Health – Water in a Box Project (inception phase)
Alumni Association – 201 Legislative Committee Member
Raeanne Danielowski
Committee Member
I am currently the Sherburne County Commissioner serving District 2 – Big Lake Township and City of Big Lake. I have lived in Sherburne County for more than 40 years. My husband, Ervin, and I live in Big Lake. We have two grown children that we raised in this community, and four grandchildren all of whom live close by. For more than 40 years, I have been a business owner in Big Lake, and heavily involved in community service.
Prior to being elected to Sherburne County Board of Commissioners, I served on the Big Lake City Council for 10 years, first as a council member for four years, and then as mayor for six years. Since being elected, I have enjoyed serving the residents of Sherburne County.
I support The Wave Youth Center, because I feel there is a huge need for it in Big Lake for our youth.
Scott Zettervall
Committee Member
Scott Zettervall is a 20yr resident of Big Lake where with his wife Katie, has raised their two sons Zach and Alex. Scott graduated from Monticello High School and attended college at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. Scott has been an IT Professional with over 25yrs experience in Data Networking and Cyber Security. Scott is a former Big lake City Council Member and currently Chairs the City of Big Lake Planning Commission. Scott has been a dedicated supporter and member of the committee since 2019.
Bill Hannay
Committee Member
Owner Hannay Electric