Hyde Park Pastor Creates safe haven For Youth
Youth violence has become a growing problem in America.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2007, 5,764 young people ages 10 to 24 were murderedan average of 16 each day.
In an effort to unite Hyde Park area youth, The Rev. Julian DeShazier of University Church is launching a program for kids to keep them out of trouble.
DeShazier told the Chicago Citizen, the purpose of the program is to allow young people to embrace their differences while working together for a common goal.
He added that there arent a lot of creative outlets currently for young people in the community.
The safe haven program is a project of University Churchs Youth Ministry.
DeShazier wants parents to feel comfortable leaving their children knowing they are doing something productive.
The general vision of University Church is to be a drop-off point for youth in the area. I want to have enough programming so that parents feel comfortable leaving their children here on any day, he said.
The pastor said he came up with the idea for the project last year.
The church will be hosting an orientation Feb. 18. DeShazier said the kick-off will introduce the community to University Church and everything it has to offer.
Youth activities include painting and performing arts. DeShazier wants kids to tap into their creative side.
Moreover, the minister wants people to know that University Church is doing great things. People walk past the building every day and say they didnt know it was a church, he said.
University Church is a faith community committed to justice, as we understand equality and dignity to comprise the basic rights of every human. It is the responsibility of society - and most certainly the church - to accompany those whose rights are violated and whose lives are endangered by injustice, he said.
DeShazier is the youngest pastor in the churchs history. He is also its first African American minister.
by Thelma SardinTwitter: @thelmasardin
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