Growing up did you have that one special place that made you feel really good about yourself?
Was it grandma’s?
A certain teacher’s classroom?
Sunday school?
An aunt’s house?
Wherever it was, I’m sure you counted down the days until you got to visit that place again.
Pastor Joe Panaia, along with the help of volunteers, wants to create a place like that for Tea’s youth. He plans to open Bridging the Gap Community Church and Youth Center this weekend for kids sixth through 12th grade.
And he has big plans.
After talking with Pastor Joe, I noticed an intense passion for his work and a strong drive to keep the youth in this city active and grounded.
The youth center is Christian-based, but through its nondenominational Bible studies, kids do not need to feel pressure.
It’s just one more opportunity for youth to learn the word of God if they and their parents do not attend church.
It’s a simple fact that more often both parents are working outside of the home. With both parents not returning home until 5 or 6 p.m., a youth center gives those kids not involved in middle and high school athletics and other extra curricular activities a place to go.
And we all need a place like that.
Panaia wants to promote community service with snow removal, raking leaves and other chores, too.
Not all the youth are involved in organizations that teach community service in the school district or church youth organizations. Now they can be a part of making Tea a better place to live.
The center has had great luck with donations for games, snacks and other items, but more is always welcome.
If you happen to be cleaning out the cupboards this summer and find board games you no longer play, books you don’t read or even extra garbage cans and other household items, donate to the Bridging the Gap Community Church and Youth Center.