Published: Monday, June 4, 2007
Saints in the Hood
The Center for Community Empowerment, 1420 Dogwood Lane, Youngstown, is a faith-based social service agency that works to meet the needs of residents in the Rockford area. It was founded by the Rev. Willie F. Peterson, who serves as its chief executive officer. Saints in the Hood, a new community group, is based at the center. The center employs 22, and one third of its employees live in the Rockford area. Its programs are geared to help and benefit the residents there. Here's an overview of programs.
Day care: The state-certified program is for children up to 14 years old.
Re-entry for ex-offenders: The program helps ex-offenders in its mentoring, life skills and job placement programs.
Family support: Services include food and clothing.
Welfare-to-work: The focus is on developing life skills.
Diversion program: It offers recreation, but participants must present report cards. Those with grades under a C may get state-certified tutoring through Supplemental Educational Services.
Drum line: Named the Tribe of Juda, the group involves some 50 young people from 12 to 18 years old.
Sports: The center offers a basketball camp, baseball team and tennis. "We want a violence-free zone," Mr. Peterson said. "These activities keep kids off the streets and help decrease crime."
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