I moved to Candor one year ago and the first thing I noticed was all of the youth wandering around with nothing to do. As I got to know some of them I began to realize that they needed a place of their own. A place where they could come, hang out, feel accepted and encouraged to be their best. A very relaxed place where they could be themselves. I also wanted to try to somehow bridge the gap between the generations. To try and reach the youth on their level and instill some town pride and sense of the history in Candor. Where better to do that than the Candor Grange?! In addition to that I am the youth leader of my church and our group quickly grew out of the one small room were we given to use. With the idea of solving both of these issues, thus was born: Candor Rocks, a Free Rec. Center for Awesome Youth of Candor.
The recreation center and will be a drop in youth center for kids ages 12-18 where they can come shoot pool, play ping pong, paint their nails, etc. I have chosen the ages 12-18 because although there will be an adult to supervise at all times we will not be babysitters. In other words, if you (or your child) are old enough to stay home alone, you (they) are old enough to be hanging out at the rec. center.
At the beginning the Rec. Center will be open 2 days a week for 3 hours each day (Mondays & Wednesdays 2:30-5:30pm) but eventually, with enough volunteers, I'd like it to be open 5 days a week, 3 hours a day. One evening during the week the youth center will serve as Mckendree UMC's youth group meeting time. Although that night there will be a Christian theme and although McKendree is underwriting this entire project be assured that the other days the Rec. Center is open it will simply be a free of charge, non-religious, warm and friendly place for all kids ages 12-18 to go and hang out.
We will host monthly family nights where adults can bring younger children down as well as occasional concerts/shows for the teens.
Volunteers will be needed (and appreciated!) to staff the hours we are open. These should be individuals who have a heart for youth and have much patience - not wanting to always correct but to instead be willing to pick your battles and encourage, encourage, encourage. In order to protect not only the kids but you as well each volunteer will need to pass a background check and provide us with a copy of that document before being able to begin.
I am very excited to be able to make this dream a reality but I need all of you too! Right now I am painting and prepping the building to get it ready to open on October 11th for our open house. If you feel this is a positive thing for Candor, for the youth, please consider coming to help on one of the work days or making a monetary donation today. To the side is a list of what we need donated. Together we can do this!
Sincerely,
Christian Abell
