Community partners team up to support and empower Atlanta’s youth to realize their full potential
ATLANTA (July 27, 2017) – As part of an ongoing effort to empower youth and reduce the number of young people involved in the criminal justice system, the At-Promise Youth & Community Center will officially open with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 1 from 4 – 6 p.m. at 740 Cameron M. Alexander Boulevard, NW.
The goals of the At-Promise Youth & Community are to reduce crime, provide services and assistance that help each youth realize his/her promise, uplift families, and strengthen the community through:
- Diversion: an alternative to arrest and probation
- Intervention: strategies to address behavior
- Prevention: to promote and foster personal growth and development
Specialized and support services for youth and young adults ages 12 – 24 include: child, family, and group counseling, GED preparation, tutoring, character and leadership development, career readiness, food assistance, and health and wellness.
Under the leadership of the Atlanta Police Foundation and the Atlanta Police Department, the Center is a collaboration between Atlanta organizations committed to addressing the critical needs of this community: CHRIS 180, Urban League of Greater Atlanta, Street Smart Youth Project, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. The efforts of these organizations are further enhanced by Atlanta’s corporate and philanthropic community under the leadership of Chris Carlos, partnerships with Carter, General Electric, Georgia Power, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, and the English Avenue Neighborhood Association.
“We feel honored to be part of this community-wide initiative to help local youth chart positive paths for their lives,” said Missy Dugan, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. “Success for us means helping kids reach their full potential. Delivering our programming at the At-Promise Youth & Community Center will enable us to continue helping kids succeed in school, live healthy, and become positive leaders.”
Long-term expected outcomes of the Center include decrease in youth arrests, increase in youth employment, and increase in school attendance. To learn more about the At-Promise Youth and Community Center, please visit www.atlantapolicefoundation.org.
ABOUT AT-PROMISE YOUTH & COMMUNITY CENTER
This state-of-the-art learning and community facility will provide specialized services for youth and serve as a gathering place for residents, group activities, and other purposes. Located in historic English Avenue, the At-Promise Center is an opportunity to participate in the revitalization efforts of this community. The At-Promise Center is an opportunity to participate in the revitalization efforts of this community. This center is the cornerstone of the Atlanta Police Foundation’s Youth crime reduction initiative.
ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF METRO ATLANTA
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s mission is to save and change the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing a safe, positive and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to achieve Great Futures. Through 25 Clubs in 10 metro counties, trained and professional staff serve more than 3,300 youth (ages 6-18) daily through programs that foster academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. While the cost to effectively serve those who need us most is approximately $5,700 per member, families are asked to pay between $60 and $135 per child each year based on income; and no child is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org.
Media Contact:
Adrienne Leon
Marketing Manager
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
404-527-0948 x1047
aleon @bgcma.org
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