Youth Center Possible For Marine City
Marine City, Michigan – [February 18, 2009]
A common complaint that is often heard from youth in communities is that there is "nothing to do." In many cases, they are right. Often there is no local place that youth can go to socialize and have fun in a safe and structured setting. To this end Marine City resident Jim Turner is focused on developing a local youth center. One building in Marine City may be the perfect fit. The Ward Cottrell School on South Parker is the site volunteers hope will become “The Ward”- Youth Center.
“Planning is a crucial first step in the evolution of improved social change” said Turner, Chairman of the River District Youth Center Exploratory Committee. "There are very few places for the kids to go without getting in trouble or doing things they're not supposed to be doing, so we couldn't ask for anything better," The Committee also recognizes that the ultimate solution in creating a viable youth center capable of accommodating local youth is community involvement. “We hope to work with local community groups, churches, and private citizens alike to bring this to fruition.”
The group is currently developing a business plan and looking at funding options. “This must be a community project and not a burden to the taxpayers” said Turner. "If we don't do something for the youth of this community, we are turning away from our future." The group is seeking help in analyzing the center's financial plan, marketing program and scheduling of use, as well as assistance in starting up operations at the center.
The concept is to create a center in which trained professionals and volunteers can work with students on a variety of services, including help with homework, physical fitness, improving self-esteem, honing job skills, and developing skill sets for various trades. The center would be open to all youth of the community from as young as age 7 through 18. The current design of The Ward would feature special events, a coffee house, computer work stations, art and crafts programs, and gymnasium use, but most importantly it would be designed to be a safe place for youth to hang out, study, and improve on other skills that they will need to succeed in school and the working world. The long term goal would be to gain affiliation with the Boys & Girls Club of America to take advantage of the many proven programs that they have to offer young people. If you would like to become involved with this project, or have questions, please contact Jim Turner at (248) 672-1871.
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