Finding Solutions: Red Shield Youth Center holds re-opening ceremony
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - A Safe Place for Youth in Aiken has been revamped!
Community come together for the ribbon cutting of the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Youth Center, which was formerly known as the Boys and Girls Club.
The Salvation Army is Finding Solutions in offering more programs for kids to stay on track and reach their goals.
“This is really just a great day for youth here in Aiken County,” said Captain Michael Good, Salvation Army of Aiken.
A re-opening ceremony took place for the Red Shield Youth Center in Aiken.
Good says they have made changes and additions to the activities and programming at the center.
Finding Solutions: Steps of Grace gives children with special needs a place to dance
Steps of Grace is celebrating 14 years and has grown from a single ballet class to multiple classes where kids can get dance instruction while also addressing important skills that children with special needs may have difficulty with.
“We’ll be starting a new initiative with Clemson Extension, where they will be teaching agriculture classes here. Children will be able to grow fruits and vegetables and sell them at a Farmer’s Market, so really excited about that. We are excited about a new reading and comprehension program that has just geared up,” he said.
Some mentorship opportunities and job readiness programs are starting as well.
The Red Shield Youth Center is open after school with 120 kids already enrolled and about 30 who attend every day.
“Really, we just have a vision of bringing them a place where they can come and just be loved on, we can build on their character, mentor them, and focus on areas that they’re struggling with,” said Kathleen Hutto, area director, Red Shield Youth Center.
Good says they have seen a record number of kids staying at their overnight shelter, and this youth center serves as a resource for them, too.
“We’ve had more children in the last two months than ever before, and what’s unique is these children are grade level. We can provide the Red Shield Youth Center as a bridge to our shelter, so children there can receive the services here at the center,” said Good.
Finding Solutions: Resourced Augusta’s conference tour connects local givers
Connecting givers and meeting the needs of our community together, that’s the goal of Resourced Augusta’s conference tour.
He says registration is open for families looking for a place for their kids to go.
“These children are our next individuals in government, they are our next doctors, teachers, CEOs, and so if we don’t pour into them today, we won’t have that tomorrow,” said Good,
Registration is open for kids ages six to 18.
The Red Shield Youth Center is located off Laurens Street in Aiken.
They’re in need of tutors and volunteers as well as donations of craft supplies.
If you would like to sign your child up or donate toward their scholarships for kids who go there, visit this link: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/aiken/
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