FERGUSON, Mo. — A year after helping nearly 500 kids find their voice as they work to change their community, the Ferguson Youth Initiative has big plans for 2024 thanks to a community grant courtesy of the TEGNA Foundation and 5 On Your Side.
Tucked away in the heart of historic downtown Ferguson the Ferguson Youth Initiative is a hidden gem in the back of city hall.
"I feel like this place has been like a second home,” Oghenemega Emej said. “Anybody and everybody is welcome. I feel heard and seen."
"It's multiple people with different backgrounds, different things they like to do, so it's a wide spectrum,” Ameria Turner said.
"It's a find your own fun type of place,” said Darrius Turner, President of the Ferguson Youth Advisory Board. “Mr. Aaron gives us a lot of freedom in what we do here, and how we do it."
For the past eight years, Aaron Harris has dedicated his life to the Ferguson Youth Initiative, which empowers teens to chase their dreams.
"The goal with FYI is to make sure our teens are heard and let them know they have a voice,” Harris said. “This is a safe space for any and all teens."
"I can just decompress,” Turner said. “It's like a comfort place."
By meeting kids where they are, and encouraging them to pursue their interest, Ferguson Youth Initiative provides the resources and support for success.
"Mr. Aaron, and FYI as a whole, has helped me capitalize on things that come naturally to me,” Darrius Turner said.
At Ferguson Youth Initiative, success is measured in different ways. Harris has helped find tutors to help students test scores.
"I sat with a lady and she helped me improve my score dramatically,” Emej said.
Using connections forged by the Ferguson Youth Initiative, 15-year-old Nyia Ross sold her artwork to local galleries.
"I never used to think that my art would be purchased,” Nyia Ross said. “I was never confident that people would want something I would make. Now I can make money doing something I love, and it's amazing."
Now that dream is growing into the world of E-sports with help from a $10,000 grant from 5 On Your Side courtesy of the TEGNA Foundation.
"We'll be able to purchase some computers specifically for gaming,” Harris said. “We're looking at working with McCluer North and their gaming team as well to be able to do gaming on both sides of the Ferguson-Florissant School District."
"Once they find a game I can play you can bet I'm going to take the belt home,” Darrius Turner said.
"It's rewarding for me, but I also see that the light is on for the community to see,” Harris said. “That's why we have an open-door policy. Anyone can come down here."
If you would like more information about the Ferguson Youth Initiative click here.
If you would like more information on the TEGNA Foundation click here.
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