At the end of November the Word Cafe` in Mesquite was approached by the Nevada Community Prevention Coalition (NCPC).
“They (NCPC) have been trying to get a survey filled out by the youth in Mesquite in order to find out the challenges and issues facing our youth,” said Lois Clayton of theWord Cafe`. “This information will be used to help get programs and funding from the state to help our youth.”
To accomplish this goal the youngsters at the Word Cafe` have requested a New Year’s party/dance for all of the community’s youth. It’s entitled, “Stomp in the New Year.”
The junior high students will attend between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and the senior high students will be from 9 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. at the Mesquite Senior Center.
“We will be providing food and raffle prizes to the youth throughout the night. Our goal is to have at least 300 youth attend,” Clayton added.
“We’ve been able to get some great local support, but there are still needs to be met,” she explained. “Monetary giving is always accepted. Some of the needs are: electronic devices (including tablets and IPods), food (hamburgers), decorations, volunteers (especially for security), vans and drivers (12 a.m. to drive youth home). These are just a few of the things we need to put on this special event to help the youth in Mesquite.”
DaySprings Ranch is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping local young people deal with, but not limited to, homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and providing a safe environment to deal with these issues. The Word Cafe` is a teen hang out, opened Fridays 6-9 p.m.
“We are located inside Living Waters Fellowship, 450 Hillside Drive,” Clayton said.. All youth from middle school through high school are welcome. We offer refreshments, foosball, electronic basketball, board games, ping pong, a brand new air hockey table, and both Xbox and Xbox 360.”