The economic downtown can hurt kids just as much as a parent that's lost a job. And when a family budget just covers the necessities, it can leave children bored and inclined to find trouble, especially during the summer.
That's why a local children's minister is working to create a place where children can go, have fun, and keep safe.
Ryan Courtade, of Fort Thomas, founded
Northern Kentucky Youth Foundation to fund small youth centers in Northern Kentucky that will give kids a place to hang out.
"I wanted to do something like this since I was in high school. I saw then that there were not many things for kids to do after school. When I lost my job at a church at Fort Thomas, I thought 'This is really now or never.' I started doing this, then I got a job at
Taylor Mill United Methodist. All the pieces started working together," Courtade said.
The planned youth centers will offer subsidized tutoring, after school and summer camp activities to junior high and high school students.
The non-profit foundation is in its early stages, and is fund-raising to help provide for teachers, supplies and other needs. Its nine-person board includes Northern Kentuckians who are active in several different churches including Taylor Mill United Methodist.
The foundation is faith-based, but is open to children regardless of faith, Courtade said.
"It's not really a Bible program, but it's founded on the principal of loving one another as we love ourselves. It's a place without peer pressure where children can see positive role models," he said.
The foundation is looking for center locations, and a first could open in Covington by this summer, serving 20 to 30 kids.
You can keep up with Foundation's progress by becoming a fan on
Facebook.
Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Ryan Courtade, founder Northern Kentucky Youth Foundation
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