MINISTRY OBJECTIVE OF THE YOUTH RESOURCE CENTER

The Youth Resource Center came into being in order to bring our community together with the common goal of reaching out to our children. Our desire is to slow the youth gang activity in Broward County, Florida. We will target the most vulnerable group of 11 – 15 year-olds now being recruited by these gangs. If our young people become involved, their use of drugs and alcohol escalate, as well as their participation in crime with arrest records following.

This is a generation that has lost hope and the vision for a fulfilling future. Our objective is to attempt to give that vision back to them. We offer alternative activities and positive encouragement to help these children be less susceptible to the social attractions of youth gangs. Along with sports and exercise, we offer tutoring, home economics, computer training, art classes, mentoring, and have even provided food and clothing. Our after-school programs are designed to occupy their time with things they enjoy as well as provide life-skills, thus lessening the chances of their recruitment into gangs.

Community role models from the professional world as well as students in local schools will be available to help and encourage our youth. Also, past and present professional athletes will visit from time to time, to give added support.

The Youth Resource Center works with the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department, the Ft. Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Neighborhood Networks (a program developed by H.U.D.) Activities are held in various parks and public housing developments throughout the community.

Working as missionaries under Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship, our team reaches out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, along with practical helps that serve and better our community. Our desire is to help the entire family, and toward that end we will offer information to churches, schools, parents, grandparents, teens and young children to give aid in navigating the school year and beyond.

Since we began this ministry, we have received the Florida Governor’s Community Investment Award in conjunction with the Department of Juvenile Justice, The Rev. Samuel Delevoe Civic Association Award for Outstanding Work in the Community, and the Gang Prevention Award from the Florida Gang Investigators Association.

Our team is available to talk to churches; schools and civic organizations to heighten awareness of youth gang activities and provide information to design programs that will help their own neighborhoods.

We’re inviting you to work together with us in this vital cause. Please pray for the young people and their families, for our team of workers, and for the finances to expand our programs. Tax-deductible donations may be made to Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship, 425 State Street, Suite 241, Bristol, VA 24201, with a note stating that is for the Youth Resource Center. If you would like to receive our newsletter or join our team of prayer warriors and supporters, please contact us at Youth Resource Center, 3620 N.W. 23 Place, Coconut Creek, FL 33066 or email us: staff@youthresourcecenter.com