Take a stroll down Wesley Street in Newnan and you may find Justin Wallace picking up trash, sweeping driveways, and doing odd jobs for neighbors that help keep the Newnan Boys & Girls Club’s community beautiful. He and the other members of his Keystone Club, a service and leadership group for teens ages 14 to 18, have vowed to “Keep Newnan Beautiful” through the Adopt-a-Street program.
Since stepping through the door seven years ago, Justin has become involved in a number of other Club programs including the Passport to Manhood male empowerment and leadership program and oratorical and cooking clubs. Justin is also a member of CareerBound, a
program that provides job shadowing, skills prep, and college tours and other opportunities to equip teens for life after high school. He’s formed important connections with his Club family Club Executive Director Lauren Odom and former staff member Tyler Reid. Justin credits the Club staff with being a support system that helps keep him on a positive track in the Club and throughout the Newnan community. He believes it’s important to give back.
On National Firefighters Day, Justin’s Club donated goodies and treats to the Newnan firefighters to thank them for keeping the city safe. He and other members had fun sliding down the emergency slide in the station.
During a partnership with Jack & Jill of America and Newnan’s sibling Club, Howard Warner, Justin helped organize a toiletry drive for Avalon Health & Rehabilitation, a local nursing home in Newnan. He and a few other Club members distributed the goods personally and visited with residents.
Working around his after school job supervising youth at Monkey Joe’s, Justin also finds time to tutor children enrolled at the B.Y.R.D. House youth-service organization.
Justin is also a proponent of youth advocacy. He believes kids and teens can empower others to make an impact by speaking up for what’s right to make the world a better place. Justin wants to attend college and double major in forensic science or sports journalism. He dreams of opening a recreation center where at-risk teens can develop their athletic skills.