Aiken after-school program creates safe space for youths
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - A local center in Aiken is making a difference in the lives of young people.
They have created a safe space full of resources for third through 12th graders.
Some of the kids have been coming to Second Baptist Church’s Teen After School Center for years, and they say the people there are family.
“It’s more than just an after-school center. It’s more like home,” said Jatasia Moment.
Moment is 16 years old and has been coming to the center since she was in first grade.
“It’s more than just homework. It’s like a business. He’s trying to put us in a position to get money. It’s not just about doing your homework. It’s like how you put yourself in a position for tomorrow,” said Moment.
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The center has been around for about 20 years, offering mentorship, development opportunities and resources.
Christopher Emanuel, director of the center, said: “We want to make sure that we’re being proactive instead of reactive. We want to ensure we provide intervention opportunities. We’re combating delinquency, we’re combating the recidivism rate, and most importantly we’re increasing school engagement.”
Right now, they have 88 kids broken up into groups coming to the center three days a week.
Jatertius Pryor says he’s learned a lot.
“We learned about personal finance, other religions, how to invest money, so as we come into the real world as young adults or adults we’ll learn how to go from there,” said Pryor.
Emanuel says this is a space where the kids create themselves.
“When we come into the lab, we have a safe space with them if they want to talk about video games, if they want to do cosmetology, if they want to focus on podcasting that helps them amplify and tell their voice, app development and just being strategic and intentional in the new job market,” said Emanuel.
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Moment says there are many reasons she keeps coming back.
“The opportunity to keep making more money. Finding a way to become a better person than I was then when I first came, and when I leave because we all have to leave one day. The next generation is looking up to us, so I’m trying to be a role model for them,” she said.
Pryor said: “This is like another home where everybody feels comfortable to talk about whatever they want to talk about, so I’m grateful for a space like this.”
They are working to expand the program and want to serve all kids from all walks of life.
They partner with the Department of Juvenile Justice. They work with schools and parents to get kids in the door.
There is an interview process beforehand, but ultimately a really inclusive space.
They meet Tuesday through Thursday from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.
To learn more, email [email protected].
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