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Program Title:
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61C Teen Center
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Objective:
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To establish a safe and positive environment for all teenagers, in which they may
explore their abilities, develop confidence in carrying out their dreams, and show
the world that young people should be looked upon as problem solvers, not problems!
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In a nutshell:
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The youth Co-Chairs, adult staff and Teen Council of 61C spend many hours planning
and running structured programs and events for youth that are designed to be fun
and beneficial to both the youth and their communities. We conduct missions in our
community, we facilitate a completely youth empowered panel that
determines the fate and progress of the Teen Center, we travel among the country to
represent youth and encourage more youth development opportunities in the communities
and we work as a team.
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Where it happens:
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Pinellas Park, Florida - Pinellas County. Most of our events and programs are held
at the Teen Center, which is located inside the Pinellas Park Boys & Girls Club.
Our missions are county wide (nuring homes, homeless shelters, American Cancer
Society Relay for Life, etc.) and our representation and advocacy efforts for
youths are nationwide (youth conferences).
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When it began:
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The idea of creating a legacy began with the Pinellas County Millennium Club in
July of 1999. The group of teens decided upon leaving a Teen center to the county
but differentiating it from other centers by ensuring that it was entirely youth
empowered. 61C Teen Center officially opened in June of 2000.
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Who started it:
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Young People ages 13-18, specifically the Pinellas County Millennium Club.
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Who runs it:
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Young people ages 13-18. Includes Executive Board and the Teen Council. We strive
to sustain a friendly and vital partnership with the adults involved.
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Early obstacles:
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Putting the confidence in the community that such a liberal concept of youth
empowerment would succeed, and furthermore, allocating confidence within
ourselves, the youth, that we can do anything we put our minds to.
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How they overcame it:
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A strong team effort, constant optimism, passion and a universal dream.
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Who pays:
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Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, In-kind donations from the Boys &
Girls Club.
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Who else has kicked in:
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AllState Insurance, community members.
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Youth served:
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Over 1500.
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Youth turn on:
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Finally a place to go! An appealing way to be involved in the community and make
friends. Youth Empowered ... it is what we make it.
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Youth turn off:
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Hard to find time to commit. Not as convenient for some youth as it is for others
in regard to location.
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What still gets in the way:
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Youth are full of passion and skill, but often lack the confidence in their
potential. A completely youth empowered project requires confidence to continue
to grow. And of course, funds are always an obstacle, until the government
recognizes the need to aid community-based programs that serve as problem
prevention for youth rather than problem treatment.
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