MEET OUR STAFF

JERRY WILLIAMS, DIRECTOR: Jerry has lived in Broward County for over thirty years. He was educated at Broward Community College with an Associate of Arts Degree, Florida Atlantic University with a B.S. in Education, and attended Knox Theological Seminary. He served as Administrator, Bible teacher, and counselor at The Greenhouse, an evangelistic and discipling ministry for 22 years, as well as being involved with teen and singles programs in many area churches. Jerry founded the Youth Resource Center in 1997 and continues to serve as the director, along with working for the Ft. Lauderdale Parks & Recreation Department – Teen Division. He was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1999 and is a member of the Broward County Clergy Council, as well as serving as a pastor-at-large in several local churches. His community involvement includes membership on the steering committee of the Ft. Lauderdale Teen Coalition; chairman of the steering committee for Neighborhood Networks, a division of H.U.D. establishing computer learning centers in public housing developments; the Rev. Samuel Delevoe Civic Association; First Priority of Broward County, a network of Youth Ministries that encourage, equip and empower students.

SUSAN WILLIAMS, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Susan, along with her husband, Jerry, has lived, worked and raised a family of four girls in our community. She served the Lord at The Greenhouse as a Bible teacher, corporate secretary and administrative assistant for 22 years, and has been involved in the Youth Resource Center from its inception. Susan’s heart goes out to young people and their families, knowing first hand how difficult it is to raise children in our society today, and she seeks to bring encouragement and hope to them.

BRUCE DANNA, MUSIC MINISTRY

Bruce Danna is a gifted singer/songwriter, musician and performer who has a lot to say, and a powerful, yet refreshing way to say it. It’s a calling and responsibility he embraces with joy. Now, in his third decade of music ministry, Bruce has long reflected the qualities of a musically and spiritually mature performer, firmly grounded in the Word of God. He is an open, believable, spontaneous, good-natured performer with a warm, comfortable style; truly ‘happy’ in what he does, and does so well; sharing not just his songs, but himself,..his life in Christ. We come away moved,..inspired,..’refreshed’, seeing more clearly not just what we are,..but what we can be in Christ. You can contact Bruce through his website at www.brucedanna.com

BARNEY GARWOOD, MENTOR

Barney Garwood, a native of South Florida, is a graduate of Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. Since returning to the South Florida area he has put his Biblical Literature degree to work for the last five years within the local church and various social programs, including the Matthew Project, where he worked with troubled teens. In the wake of the Littleton, Colorado tragedy he was instrumental in the organization of the “Yes I Believe in God Rally,” a memorial to Cassie Bernall. He currently is working as the Youth Minister of Trinity Church of God in Boca Raton, Florida.

PASTOR RON LEGGETT, MENTOR: has been in the Gospel Ministry for 32 years, currently serving at Wilton Manors Baptist Church, and as Chaplain (Major) in the Florida Army National Guard. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Palm Beach Atlantic College, and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Seminary. Other training includes Youth Discipleship, Suicide Prevention, Chemical Recovery, Youth Hotline and Witness teams, Sexual Harassment, Family, Premarital and Marriage Counseling, Time Management, Supervisor and Leadership. Ron’s other experiences include Correctional (prison) counselor, Hospital Chaplaincy, Race Tracy Chaplaincy, and Boys Camp Director. His vast experience enables him to have a wonderful impact on the teens who have been arrested and he is well received as a devotional Bible teacher, mentor, and friend.

AUDREY PARRISH, HOME ECONOMICS TEACHER:

Our teacher for home economics is highly educated and qualified in many fields. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Certificates in Computers and Business Management, Graduate Studies and Elementary Education Certification, Master of Science in Social Studies, and an Educational Specialist – Leadership Program, as well as Certifications in Adult Basic Education, ESOL Endorsement, CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard, there isn’t much Audrey hasn’t studied or been involved with. She presently works at Nova Southeastern University as Adjunct Professor, Clinical Supervisor and Tutorial Supervisor for the Undergraduate Education Department. She also works for the School Board of Broward County Vocational, Adult and Community Education as an Adult Education Teacher and Coordinator for a Tutorial Program, and has taught in several area schools. Her experience covers working as a Judicial Assistant at the Broward County Courthouse, as a Probation Officer I, and as a CYF Counselor and Placement Counselor for HRS. In her spare time, Audrey operates Secretarial Services Unlimited, Inc. All of her education, experience and skills enable her to give a great variety of input into the lives of the young people she teaches.

ANITA ORSINI, ART TEACHER:

Anita is an artist that has received international recognition for her fine artwork done in colored pencil. She also enjoys working with watercolors and pastel painting. A fascination with light and color and a sincere appreciation of God’s creation provide the fuel for her creativity. Along with sharing her enthusiasm for art with children and adults in her private studio in Pompano Beach, she has worked as a consultant to the Secondary Art Department at Westminster Academy in Ft. Lauderdale. As a teacher her greatest reward is helping her students discover their unique, God given, creative voice. Her work has been published in The Best of Colored Pencil 2 and The Best of Colored Pencil 3 by Rockport Publishers, and To The Point, a newsletter for the Colored Pencil Society of America. Most recently she was the recipient of the Lyra Award for Outstanding Recognition in the Colored Pencil Society of American’s 8^th International Exhibition. Internet users can view her work at www.members.tripod.com/OrsiniArt and www.cpsa.org

AMELIA WILLIAMS, HOME ECONOMICS TEACHER: Amelia has lived in Ft. Lauderdale her entire life. At the age of twenty, she has seen first hand the challenges encountered growing up in our community. She has worked for the City of Ft. Lauderdale Parks & Recreation FLASH Division at Bennett Elementary School, as a lifeguard at Carter Park, and presently helps in our after-school tutoring and home economics programs.

WENDY DUNN, TUTOR: Being a well-educated and gifted teacher makes Wendy a natural for our after-school tutoring and GED preparation programs. She attended International Schools in London, England and the Hague, the Netherlands, graduating from High School in Houston, Texas. She received her B.S. in Education with a minor in Psychology from the University of Houston and has experience as a certified teacher in Florida and Texas. For the past nineteen years she has worked with youths four to twenty-one years of age in public and private schools. Her experience has also included tutoring for Sylvan Learning Centers; State Homes for troubled youths and run-aways; working with youths in the prison system; as well as teaching physically and emotionally impaired children. Wendy dedicates her work with this generation to her parents who provided her with all of the tools necessary for her life and ministry.

MEET OUR BOARD

DR. REGINALD BROWNE

Pastor, Family Counselor

With a Double Masters and Double Doctorate in Counseling and Psychology, as well as Education, from the University of San Francisco, Dr. Browne is a valuable source of information and experience. He formerly worked with Dr. Ed Wheat and has 23 years in the field.

DAVID DEAL

Recreation Programmer, Ft. Lauderdale Parks & Recreation Department

David has 23 years of experience in the field, with 11 years in Ft. Lauderdale. He is a Certified Pool Manager, member of the Florida Parks & Recreation Association, and comes from a family that is deeply involved in Parks & Recreation.

DETECTIVE ARTHUR JONES

Ft. Lauderdale Police Department

Detective Jones has spent 19 years on the force, with one year specifically devoted to Youth Gangs. He is currently serving as the Resource Officer at Dillard High School.

MIKE MANN

President, Patlon Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of goods for static control for the electronics industry.

Mike is a member of the Christian Chamber of Commerce in Miami, Florida, and travels to Christian conferences and serves the Lord throughout the world, giving him a unique opportunity to observe and participate in the work God is doing in many different places. With this wide perspective, he can bring fresh input into the ministries he is involved with in our community.

DETECTIVE DAVID NICKERSON

Ft. Lauderdale Police Department

David has been on the force for 25 years, with many of those devoted to Youth Gangs. He is considered an expert in the field of Youth Gangs. He attends Grace Baptist Church.

CHUCK ZINK

Branch Manager in Weston for McDonald Distributors, an electrical wholesale business

Chuck serves as a Deacon (Secretary/Treasurer) for Lauderdale Community Church, as well as teaching Sunday School and participating in the Worship band there. Chuck is also on the Board of Directors for Gospel for Asia.

ROBIN BURNS

Robin serves as a consultant to the work of the Youth Resource Center in Ft. Lauderdale. She is presently working with The Children’s Home Society, and has also working as a Department of Juvenile Justice Supervisor. Her involvement in our community has also included being the Coordinator for the Red Ribbon Campaign for over 10 years in Broward County, working as a victim’s advocate, and is a research worker with Youth Gangs.

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