Expect Change: Change in the number of teens finding mentors and staying in school
It's a winter evening at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. Maurice Williams has been engaging a group of 6-11 year olds and offering them a message of hope.
Maurice, youth development coordinator, asked them to share their top three hopes, wishes and dreams. Jeremiah said he's interested in becoming a basketball player, teacher or a doctor. Keith said he wants to be a basketball player, teacher or a judge. Joy said she'd like to be a fashion designer, singer or a novelist.
To encourage them, Maurice shared these thoughts, which they repeated out loud. God did not create me by accident. God has a plan for my life. With God, anything is possible.
Tuesdays through Thursdays, Maurice works with the 6-11 year olds. Mondays through Saturdays, he works with 12-18 year olds. His platform is the Youth Leadership Development Program, a Salvation Army initiative launched at the community center in September 2012.
The center is a safe environment for kids. "And they don't want to leave," said Maurice, a 24-year-old graduate of Morehouse College in Georgia. "That's why I find my job so fulfilling."
There's a range of learning experiences available to them, from tying a necktie and dressing for success to mock interviews and cooking classes. Keeping up with schoolwork is important. Tutors from local colleges have helped with math and science.
Up to 25 young people are participating in the program at any one time. Darius, a 13-year-old seventh grader, said Maurice helps him in many ways, including homework and basketball. "He wants us to succeed," Darius said. "He will do anything possible to help us succeed."
Naomi, a 14-year-old ninth grader, visits the community center three times a week. She wants to pursue a career in nursing. Naomi also enjoys writing, especially scriptwriting. She said she's grateful for the encouragement she receives from Maurice and The Salvation Army.
Ahmad, an 18-year-old senior, got involved at the community center as an intern. He said Maurice has helped him overcome the death of his brother when he was 12 and other family challenges. Ahmad wants to go to college. He said Maurice is helping him pursue that goal. "If I didn't have a father, I'd consider him my father," said Ahmad.
The program is making a difference. "We receive a lot comments from parents, grandparents and teachers," said Envoy Anita Hinson, education director. "One told us it's the best program ever. Another thanked us so much for having it. And one young person said our program saved his life."