Murphy – The first meeting to discuss plans for a youth center in Cherokee County was held at the N.C. Cooperative Extension office on Jan. 9.
About 16 people were in attendance, including Mayor Tim Radford, Commissioner Jan Griggs, Murphy Police Chief Tim Lominac, Laura Lachance with the Town of Murphy Main Street program, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Victoria Ivie and Lake Silver, western North Carolina field representative for U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.).
The goal of the meeting was to take the initial steps toward establishing a youth center, where younger folks can gather and enjoy a variety of activities in a safe place.
“I gotta say, raising two teenage sons – in their 20s now – this is something that’s much needed in our community. This would be a great asset to our youth here,” Lominac said.
Nancy Helms of Ogreeta is community oriented, with a desire to help others.
“We’ve got to do something for our teens. If we had a youth center, there’s so many things we could do,” she said.
“They could learn leadership skills, volunteering, and in 10 years we’d have a group of people who could be leaders because they’ve been in on the ground floor. They’ve seen the volunteerism and leadership going back into the community.”
The center’s planning is in its infancy, but some ideas are to incorporate educational workshops and classes, art and cultural programs, recreational activities and sports leagues, as well as job training and career development programs. Other ideas for the proposed center include offering mentoring and counseling services, along with health and wellness resources, on site.
Discussions included design and development ideas, such as having multipurpose rooms for meetings and events, technology labs, computer stations, art and music rooms, quiet spaces for studying and relaxation as well as outdoor areas large enough to accommodate sports, games and socializing.
The group is hoping to assemble and involve a diverse team of community members, which would include young folks, parents, educators, local businesses, government officials and nonprofit organizations, who would have a say throughout the process.
Many things need to be looked at, such as grants and other avenues for funding, location and sustainability for the proposed center. The group is planning its next meeting for 1 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at 699 Connahetta St.
“As mayor of Murphy, establishing a youth center is a key focus, aiming to create a dynamic space for youth engagement and growth. This initiative promises both immediate community benefits and long-term impacts, such as improved education and community unity, crucial for the future of Cherokee County,” Radford said.
“We are in the early stages, working toward a legacy for a brighter, more connected future.”