Rutherford Weekly

Tracy Williams can't imagine doing anything but working with at-risk youth. It's a path, she said, God put her on more than 25 years ago. But without much-needed funding in place, Williams may find herself having to do what she prays she won't: shuttering the non- profit Youth Empowerment. "We've got until June 30th to find a new location," Williams said. The organization, a 501(c)3 which began as a ministry of Tanner's Grove United Methodist Church and became it's own non-profit in 2000, is currently operating out of a building owned by Jesus Way Christian Ministries. But, that location was never meant to be permanent. "We've looked at several buildings, but we have to have a commercial kitchen," Williams said. "It's almost like people have forgotten about us since we left the big building." Youth Empowerment serves 40 to 50 children between the ages of 10 and 17 currently, Williams said. In the summer, a food program provides 250 meals to children and their families. "We work with middle schoolers who are trying to find their identity, and high schoolers as well," Williams said. "I always tell people I want the worst of the worst because when they finally have that 'a-ha' moment, it is special." The program provided through Youth Empowerment strives to help children develop positive attitudes and behaviors as well as develop better decision making skills. Youth Empowerment's operating budget is around $140,000 a year, Williams said, and much of that funding comes from the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. But, other funded is needed to pay staff, and to provide basic building upkeep such as water and power. "We are still writing grants and knocking on doors," she said. "We sent out letters of support and got very few back." Support is needed now, she explained, as she has a current grant that requires matching funds. "I'm afraid I will have to give it back because it is a reimbursement grant - so I have to have the money in place first." Williams also knows that Youth Empowerment isn't alone in needing support. "It's difficult to be a non-profit because we are all seeking funding from the same people," she said. Community support, though, has remained strong despite funding shortfalls. "We've got friends who've been with us a long time," she said. "And my kids - I call them my kids - who have grown up have checked in and offered support. We've served 1,500 children over the years." Williams said without the program, those children - some who are now adults - would be on a much different path. Her staff, she said, are instrumental on guiding the children. "I've got awesome staff members," she said. "I have a volunteer who is there more than I am. That's how we've been successful - and that's how we change lives. Children are there with us for eight months, and we are invested in them." Now, Williams hopes to find investors in the program. "We welcome anyone to stop by," she said. "I think people really understand what we do once they stop it." For those who want to support the program, they may learn more online at youthempowermentinc.org. Youth Empowerment is currently located at 1254 Old Ballpark Road in Spindale. OUR 25 th YEAR • ISSUE NO. 3 • JANUARY 19, 2017 RutherfordWeekly.com 828-248-1408 FREE FREE Mon-Sat 11am-6pm 719 S. Broadway, Forest City Right off Exit 182 from US74 828-229-3123 ©Community First Media Community First Media Made in America glass Local artwork, glass & more Vaping Supplies Vaping Supplies Skateboards Skateboards Call or drop by anytime • Classes for 5 years to adult Call or drop by anytime • Classes for 5 years to adult $ 39. 39. 95 95 First Week First Week & Uniform & Uniform Licensed & certifi ed nationally recognized Licensed & certifi ed nationally recognized award-winning member of the US Black Belt Schools award-winning member of the US Black Belt Schools ©Community First Media Community First Media KICK IN THE NEW YEAR KICK IN THE NEW YEAR Since Since 1976 1976 140 W. Main St. Forest City 828-245-5792 † New Year Special New Year Special Rated the Rated the # 1 cardio/muscle 1 cardio/muscle toning program in the nation. toning program in the nation. MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN YOU BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN YOU KNOWLEDGE KNOWLEDGE in the mind, in the mind, HONESTY HONESTY in the heart, in the heart, STRENGTH STRENGTH in the body. in the body. Tommy Pickles currently calls the building at 1366 US 221 North in Rutherfordton. So do Jingles, Cali and Sophie. Each of them awaits adoption from the Rutherford County Chamber of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. Brother Wolf, which opened a chapter in Rutherford County in July 2016, is designed to help communities work toward a no kill model for animal control. In Rutherford County, Brother Wolf works with other pet agencies, like the Community Pet Center and PAWS, to provide a shelter for stray and owner surrendered pets. Chapter Manager for Rutherford County is Karen Parker, who became involved in animal rescue after adopting a dog from the animal control shelter. "There were two dogs there, both of which had been there 12 days. I adopted one, and two days later the other was euthanized …. I couldn't pretend that hadn't happened, so I began to get involved," she said. Once Brother Wolf extended to Rutherford County, she applied to be the chapter manager. Along with two other employees and volunteers, the organization has taken in 136 animals - 91 of which have been adopted. It is the county's first no kill shelter. "People ask 'well, what happens if no one adopts them?'" she said. "They will remain with us until someone does." The shelter can house 14 dogs and 12 cats per state regulations, and is always at capacity, Parker continued. "We have a waiting list that could refill this building five times," she said. Volunteers are crucial to helping with the animals, providing foster care and love to each. "Fosters help with our overflow and help us in the short-term to provide homes until their vaccinations are caught up or until they are old enough to be adopted," Parker explained. "We have fosters who are willing to do so until a home is found." Karen Snyder, who had provided foster care for Tommy Pickles, a rat terrier, said that she enjoyed caring for animals until they could be adopted. More volunteers are always needed to help, she added, whether it's through coming to the shelter and caring for animals and cleaning or as a foster pet parent. "All that we ask is that they open their hearts or their homes and love them until we can find them a home or room here," she said. Foster pet parents are provided all they need for the pet, from food and water to medical care and toys. Brother Wolf is supported by community donations and by the Second Chances Thrift Store, where shoppers can find new and gently used items. Proceeds go back into the care of the animals at the shelter, which is located within the store. Animals can be adopted during the organization's business hours, which are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each animal is tested for diseases, spayed or neutered, microchipped, given flea and tick prevention, deworming, etc. The adoption fee covers the cost of these services. For info on adopting a pet from Brother Wolf Animal Rescue or how you can become involved, visit www.bwar.org, click on Rutherford County. RUTHERFORD COUNTY'S ONLY AUDITED NEWSPAPER RUTHERFORD COUNTY'S ONLY AUDITED NEWSPAPER Youth program seeks donations to keep doors open Articles By: Allison Flynn, Rutherford Weekly Articles By: Allison Flynn, Rutherford Weekly LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL BUY Brother Wolf provides a home for animals in need Karen Parker, chapter manager for Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Rutherford County, feeds a dog treat to one of the shelter's dogs. The no kill shelter has been open since July 2016, and since that time has taken in 136 animals - 91 of which have been adopted. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is supported by donations from the community as well as proceeds made from the sell of new and gently used items in the Second Chances Thrift Store, which is located within the shelter.

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