Our thanks go to Laura Cooper and the staff of the Youth Development Center for the wonderful work they do for the young people of Lee County who experience hardship at such a young age. Many of the children come to the center in need of a safe environment. Some of the youth have experienced environments that have not supported their development as good citizens and they have made bad choices by breaking the law. The programs offered to these youth train them to be productive, law-abiding citizens — not to mention helping them learn, as many are behind in classroom work.

Laura and her staff work with families who have been broken up and try to repair and reunite them. Often center counselors have to train parents in hygiene and care for the family, as well as how to make positive choices for raising children.

Recently, the center added a staff librarian to the expertise available there. Laura said that the center would love to have books donated, so if you are in possession of books for children and youth, pass them to Tracie West and she will deliver to the center. A great holiday idea might be to purchase a book for the library and give it in someone’s honor. If you want to volunteer your time please call 749-2996.