LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- The California Community Center is one of 13 community centers across Louisville, organized by Metro Parks.
Community leaders say these centers are the answer to many concerns voiced by residents Tuesday night, during a public meeting with city officials. The conversation was fueled by the recent violence in Ferguson.
A number of people commented on the lack of programs for area youth, in hopes of keeping them off the streets and out of trouble. Ben Johnson, with Metro Parks, says they're not looking in the right place.
"I talked to a lot of people last night and gave them my card and said, hey, we can use you in the community centers as a volunteer, for programs, and potentially as an employee," Johnson said.
The centers host a variety of art classes, free internet for computer labs, teen empowerment programs, health and education initiatives as well as a basketball camp coming up in December.
"There's a lot going on and we take them from babies to grannies," Johnson said.
Johnson says the key is bringing in younger adults to mentor kids, and most importantly listen to them.
"When I was a kid, I didn't know about community centers or that I could come to one. It's a positive environment and a safe place for kids," Nicholas Williams, a recreation coordinator, said.
Williams says the change residents are looking for has to start at home and here at community centers. He says residents can't rely on the police to keep their children out of trouble.
"Things do happen and it's going to happen everywhere. They can't stop everything, but they're doing all they can and I feel they're doing exactly what they need to do," Williams said.
He says it will take a community-wide effort to create new partnerships and programs for all ages, opening the doors to better communication.
"I'm excited about that opportunity. We want to turn activism into action and give people a safe and effective outlet for people to make the change they want to see," Johnson said.
