Editorial: And still we need more
Published 9:01 pm Tuesday, July 4, 2017
- Sharif Humes, left, runs a group of campers through some drills to learn the defensive line during a Power Cross camp at Salisbury High in June. JON C. LAKEY / SALISBURY POST
Some West End residents may not want the Power Cross Ministries’ youth program to use Miller Recreation Center, but the Statesville-based nonprofit should know that it is still welcome in the city of Salisbury. What Power Cross has to offer young people is priceless.
A writer who visited Power Cross’ Statesville campus in April found a busy program with a positive vibe. Monday through Thursday, young men go to the campus after school. Divided into groups by age, the students rotate between stations to get help with homework, have a nutritious evening meal and train in sports — football, baseball and basketball. Students are given opportunities to work alongside volunteer tutors. The program also holds weekly Bible studies.
A Power Cross football camp at Salisbury High School last month drew 160 registrants; many more boys and young men showed up. Obviously, interest in the program is high.
Salisbury has about 7,000 children under the age of 18. The city could use the help of many more organizations to provide recreational programs for them. The city’s parks and recreation department appears to be stretched to the limit. If more programs are to come, someone else may have to run them.
People in the community have stepped up to start programs. That’s how the city’s children got to benefit from Gemstones Academy, COMPASS, SWAGGA, Tsunami and more. Other programs include JLT Fieldhouse basketball, the YMCA, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Summer camps and other programs are offered by groups such as 4-H, Piedmont Players, Waterworks and Rowan Museum. Churches sponsor Bible schools, day camps and after-school tutoring. Several of the schools are holding summer programs and workshops to help children avoid learning loss. The list goes on and on.
And still we need more.
Any organization with a proven track record of helping children grow and learn should be welcome in Salisbury. If one facility doesn’t work out or one neighborhood keeps a distance, fear not; there are others. The community at large is grateful for your interest and commitment. How can we help?
