Community agencies along with The City of Douglas and the Community Relations and Advisory Committee are gearing up for the Community Youth Summit and Resource Fair which will target issues that affect our youth and provide information for positive solutions to these issues. Mr. John W. Alexander, Jr. will be the guest speaker for the main session of the Youth Summit. Faced with many challenges ranging from medical issues to becoming homeless as a youth, Mr. Alexander was able to make a positive turn in his life by attending an afterschool program at the Johnson Brinson Project Center. It was at this Center that Mr. Alexander learned many leadership qualities from Mr. David Dukes, a former Civil Rights Leader and author. Currently, the Executive Director of the Reichert House Youth Academy, Mr. Alexander is dedicated to helping at risk males between the ages of 10 – 18. As CEO and founder of Goshen, a residential scholarship program for young adults between the ages of 18-28, Mr. Alexander passionately continues his quest to help the youth in the community.
Several local community leaders have chosen to speak to our youth at the break out session. Speakers for the boys groups will include Todd Wade, John Threatt, Kinnard Moss, and Oscar Wilson for ages 10-14. Wille Carter, Randall Carter, and Oscar Wilson will be the speakers for boys ages 15-20. The speaker for the girls session ages 10-14 will be Chandra Moss. Tracy
McClelland, Commissioner Olivia Pearson, and Brianna McClelland will be speaking to the girls ages 15-20. These age appropriate group sessions will discuss topics such as peer pressure, self image, education, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and leadership. The Summit and Resource Fair will also include local live entertainment from several groups. Scheduled to perform will be Amber Gilliard, Church Boy featuring “Star” and the dance team “Destined for Greatness” from Greater Destiny International Ministries.
During the Youth Summit, many community agencies will participate in a resource fair to create a partnership with our youth by providing information about programs that are offered within their organization. Some of the service providers will be Y’Carte Learning Center, Satilla Regional Library, Douglas Fire Department, US Martial Arts Centers, Faith Christian Academy, Coffee County Health Department, Southeastern Bank, Department of Family & Children Services, Colony Bank, Move of God Deliverance Center, CCCUP Debutantes and Young Men of Distinction, the Mary Hayes Center for Social Change, South Georgia College, The Pregnancy Care Center, Coffee High School NJROTC, General Coffee State Park, SunTrust Bank, and Douglas Coffee County Parks & Recreation Department. Any community organization that is looking to reach out and educate youth about their organization is invited to register and attend the Resource Fair at no charge.
The Community Youth Summit and Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011 from 10am -2pm at Central Square Complex. The Community Youth Summit and Resource Fair is sponsored by the City of Douglas, Community Relations and Advisory Committee, Y’Carte Learning Center, Roscoe Allen Company, Wal Mart Store #593, Williams Institutional Foods, 100 Men in Black, and the Boss Riders Motorcycle Club. For more information or to register your organization (at no cost) for the Community Youth Summit & Resource Fair, call (912) 383-0277.
