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This year was the worst in Alexis Farrows young life. Her father and step-mother were killed in a tragic car accident, and she credits the Yerwood Center with helping her get through the devastating loss.
I feel that every day is important in a teenagers life. So why not spend our days in a place that really cares? the 17-year-old Westhill High School student said Tuesday afternoon.
Alexis was at a press conference with several other Yerwood Center teenagers and adults announcing the kickoff of a fund-raising drive for a Teen Center at Yerwood.
We want to step out on faith, said Yerwood executive director Eugene Campbell. We want to create a teen center for our young people because we feel that too many teens in our city do not have a viable option.
The goal is to raise $150,000 before next summer, said Campbell. The funds would support development classes, workshops and programs for Yerwoods 13- to 18-year-olds. The project would not involve any physical reconstruction of Yerwood, Campbell said. Teen Center programs would be offered 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
In addition to Alexis, speakers included Derrick Dunn, 17, and Joanne Georges, 14. All three are among Yerwoods top academic achievers.
Once you give us expectations that are good, we will usually follow through, said Joanne.
A lot of our teens have been told no for various reasons, said Yerwood program director Siobhan Matthew. She said a Teen Center would be a forward step for them.
Mayor Michael Pavia, other elected officials and community leaders attended Tuesdays event in support of the Teen Center.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. will hold a gala black-tie New Years Eve fund-raiser for the Teen Center. For information, call (203) 327-2790.
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