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Youth Advocates Sean McAfee (on left) with (in front) Evelyn Williams, Executive Director, Tracy Williams, LaShon Aiken, and Program Director Jason Milks in front of the Burchus Lathan Jr. plaque for whom the center is dedicated.
The Executive Director is Tracy Williams. In this economy, she is constantly writing grants and seeking help from within the community. She has forged a committed group of Youth Advocates who are not special, but, without a doubt, an extra special epitome of dedication. They love helping and doing things for the youth of the community constantly teaching them the positive side of life. For Youth Empowerment it’s all about “can do”! Self esteem, motivation, being the best and reaching for the stars is the giving spirit of this community within our community.
Just recently Equine was added to the agenda. Life skills and learning to work with real horses. This is done in the field just behind their building in Forest City at 182 Sparks Drive. Inside the 10 to 17 year old “youths of tomorrow” are tutored, have computer labs, enjoy playing pool, air hockey, a supervised weight room, wrestling, boxing, sewing, music classes, art class, teaching dance and woodworking. It is all about building self esteem and a positive future life style. Also, very important, the youngsters are fed a complete hot meal every day. The day I was there they were served BBQ chicken, green beans, mac and cheese, roll, ice tea or flavored drink and dessert. For a lot of the kids participating in the program, this might just be the only hot or best meal they get. The youths are an admixture of the community.
The amazing growth and achievements were recently recognized when Youth Empowerment of Rutherford County received an award from the North Carolina Governor’s Commission. They were just one of three organization in the state that were given the “Award of Excellence for Promising Programs for North Carolina”. The award now is proudly displayed and is testimony to what Youth Empowerment is all about.
Executive Director, Tracy Williams is not shy about asking for help. “We need volunteers to help us grow. Anyone who can volunteer for any time they have. The youth we serve are our future and we need to give them the hope and life skills needed for success. We not only ask for, but need your help.” She particularly likes volunteers who can instruct the youngsters in hobbies, crafts and vocational training. She would like to see more community involvement and support. Also, anyone who would like to donate simple things such as paper products and home made goodies. It all contributes to the continuing success of this great program. So if you can find a little time, come in and get involved. For those who would like for any youth 10 to 17 years old to become a part of this program, legal guardians can come in or go on line to access an application. Their website is: YouthEmpowermentInc.org. Suffice to say - let’s keep a good thing going in Rutherford County! Got a question? Do you want to volunteer? Just call: 828-288-1021.
