PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A teen center is officially open in South Philadelphia, a place where organizers say kids can be engaged and safe.
Downstairs at the Caring People Alliance, located at 15th and West Porter streets, the South Philadelphia Boys and Girls Club space now has a fresh coat of paint and tables full of activities, ready to welcome local teenagers.
“It’s exciting,” said Jewel Felder-James, director of teen programming. “I just can’t wait to see it fully functioning, seeing kids having fun, and music playing and kids just doing what they want to do.”
She said when she was a teen, she got involved in activities of her own, and they stuck with her years later. “I started caring,” she recalled. “I started wanting to get up in the morning. I wanted to get up and go do those things.”
At Wednesday afternoon’s ribbon-cutting, speakers reminded the audience that the space needed a major clean-up. The 3,350-square-foot, multi-level teen center has new areas for them to hang out and activities ranging from art, technology, podcasting and more.
“It is a needed place. It helps the kids grow,” said 19-year-old Shakeem Smith, who has participated in the program in North Philly since he was 14. He has since been hired as a mentor for kids coming into the program.
“It gives kids the opportunities to experience what they really want to be in life,” he said. “They can stay away from outside drama, the drugs, the shootings, and everything out there. And also to have a place to experience their talents and become a better person.”
Local parent Teresa Jack helped get support and backing for the space. She said there’s a void citywide for teen programming, as well as space to accommodate youth in the city — especially as they age out of activities.
“Having a space where teenagers want to come and be here and be with their peers, be with trusted adults,” she said, “it’s critical, but as a parent, it’s really heartwarming.”
The free center will be open until 8 p.m. every school night.
The space is done, but officials need some help filling it. Caring People Alliance is fundraising to get more equipment and other supplies on its wish list.