The Liberty County Youth Commission made its pitch to the county commissioners for its proposal to help local teens.
The youth commissioners marked the end of their year of service and presented plans for a future youth center, including a floor plan and financing.
“There has been a heightened amount of mental health disorders and youth crime in Liberty County, and we believe we have the solution to the root cause of this issue,” said Daizey Keller, president of the youth commission. “Our goal is to support Georgia’s youth by improving mental health, reducing crime and creating positive ways to stay engaged.”
Youth commissioners are proposing a center for those up to ages 25 that includes basketball courts, spaces that could be used for wrestling, cheerleading and fitness training and spaces where counseling can take place. They proposed taking 8% of a future special purpose local option sales tax to finance construction.
Their plan calls for a volunteer staff, with county-hired personnel managing the facility.
“I believe a youth center isn’t just another building — it is a chance to give kids support, guidance and a safe place to be,” said youth commission member Adalyn Norton. “If we want to make a difference with issues like youth crime, we have to start by giving young people the support and resources they need before problems begin. All it takes is one safe space or one person believing in you to change someone’s life.”
Having youth as volunteers to help run the facility is another way to instill responsibility, Norton added.
Youth Commission member Anna Ferguson said she has seen firsthand how trauma, stress, bullying and peer pressure can affect a teen’s mental health.
“Trauma, bullying, stress and peer pressure increase risk of mental health issues, can cause anxiety, depression, withdrawal and trouble focusing, leading to poorer grades and isolation.,” she said. “This is why I believe we need this youth center to get something for teens to do in this city but also to help the teens suffering from mental health issues.”
