Youth program seeks donations to keep doors open

Tracy Williams can't imagine doing anything but working with at-risk youth. It's a path, she said, God put her on more than 25 years ago.

But without much-needed funding in place, Williams may find herself having to do what she prays she won't: shuttering the non-profit Youth Empowerment.

"We've got until June 30th to find a new location," Williams said. The organization, a 501(c)3 which began as a ministry of Tanner's Grove United Methodist Church and became it's own non-profit in 2000, is currently operating out of a building owned by Jesus Way Christian Ministries. But, that location was never meant to be permanent.

"We've looked at several buildings, but we have to have a commercial kitchen," Williams said. "It's almost like people have forgotten about us since we left the big building."

Youth Empowerment serves 40 to 50 children between the ages of 10 and 17 currently, Williams said. In the summer, a food program provides 250 meals to children and their families.

"We work with middle schoolers who are trying to find their identity, and high schoolers as well," Williams said. "I always tell people I want the worst of the worst because when they finally have that 'a-ha' moment, it is special."

The program provided through Youth Empowerment strives to help children develop positive attitudes and behaviors as well as develop better decision making skills.

Youth Empowerment's operating budget is around $140,000 a year, Williams said, and much of that funding comes from the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. But, other funded is needed to pay staff, and to provide basic building upkeep such as water and power.

"We are still writing grants and knocking on doors," she said. "We sent out letters of support and got very few back."

Support is needed now, she explained, as she has a current grant that requires matching funds.

"I'm afraid I will have to give it back because it is a reimbursement grant - so I have to have the money in place first."

Williams also knows that Youth Empowerment isn't alone in needing support.

"It's difficult to be a non-profit because we are all seeking funding from the same people," she said.

Community support, though, has remained strong despite funding shortfalls.

"We've got friends who've been with us a long time," she said. "And my kids - I call them my kids - who have grown up have checked in and offered support. We've served 1,500 children over the years."

Williams said without the program, those children - some who are now adults - would be on a much different path. Her staff, she said, are instrumental on guiding the children.

"I've got awesome staff members," she said. "I have a volunteer who is there more than I am. That's how we've been successful - and that's how we change lives. Children are there with us for eight months, and we are invested in them."

Now, Williams hopes to find investors in the program.

"We welcome anyone to stop by," she said. "I think people really understand what we do once they stop it."

For those who want to support the program, they may learn more online at youthempowermentinc.org. Youth Empowerment is currently located at 1254 Old Ballpark Road in Spindale.