provided a unique safe haven with opportunities for youth to accomplish personal goals, develop leadership potential, and participate in improving their communities. from similar organizations is that youth (9 students) saw an influx of violence and negative activities in their communities and were weary of youth involvement during after school hours. They took the initiative to do something to de
crease the involvement of youth in negative acts in the neighborhood. Their solution to decrease violence among youth after school was to create a youth-run youth center. Other organizations that have centers for youth are mostly ran by adult and have little to no input from the youth they are serving. This program is special because our founders, who happen to be youth, were able to see their dream come to fruition. provides a supportive environment for youth to express themselves creatively, define and accomplish their goals, and be themselves, embracing everybody’s individuality. We provide youth with leadership and management skills by employing them to mentor peers and run programs, engaging youth to serve in their communities, and ensuring youth serve on the board of directors and help build the organization. By fostering positive connections between youth and adults, providing an outlet to build youth voice, and providing multiple opportunities for youth, we are a step closer to changing the perception and image of today’s youth in our society.
