"We want the ones who's stealing the cars. We want the ones who's robbing. We want the ones who's failing with their schoolwork."
That's what staff members at Teen Empowerment (TE) say about connecting with local young people. The nonprofit works alongside teens to foster peace, equity, and justice in the community.
As reported by WXXI's Noelle Evans and Max Schulte, the center recently opened a new location at the corner of Magee and Dewey avenues — an area on Rochester's north side that has been the site of numerous deaths by gun violence in recent years. TE leaders say it is an opportunity to offer young people a different pathway forward.
This hour, we sit down with some of the teens and a Teen Empowerment leader to discuss their work, their goals, and what the new hub means for their mission.
In studio:
- Shanterra Mitchum, program director at Teen Empowerment
- Sahiyra Dillard, program coordinator at Teen Empowerment
- Emerra Moore, Teen Empowerment participant
- Paul Ross Jr., Teen Empowerment participant
