Teen center deserves support

Even after receiving news that federal funding won't be coming, the Burke Community Partnership is moving boldly ahead with plans to open a badly needed teen center.

The building at Davis Park, which was recently renovated by the city of Waynesboro, has been used for a number of programs through the years. Clearly, the highest and best use of it at this time is as a center which will encourage our teens to stay off the streets and out of trouble.

The grant, $82,000 of which has already been utilized, was recently cut from the federal budget. If efforts to have the funds restored are unsuccessful the program will undoubtedly suffer.

In the wake of increased gang activity in small towns everywhere, nothing could be more important than finding constructive activities to keep our young people safe and involved. The center is located in a neighborhood with a high crime rate, and that's exactly where it needs to be. The temptations of sex, drugs and violence can be replaced by healthy, organized activities to fill those long summer days ahead.

Citizens of other parts of the community should be concerned as well. Gang activity and violence spills over into other areas of the city and county. The costs associated with law enforcement and prosecution of these violators is constantly growing. An investment in prevention today will pay untold future dividends in the reduction of crime and the molding of productive citizens. On the other hand, ignoring the problem will surely result in greater costs of lives, property and public funds in the future.

Every public and private agency interested in the welfare of this community should look for a way to help keep the teen center up and running.