A new monthly event in Chatham County is using roller skating to provide local teenagers with a safe and positive environment. The “Skate and Elevate” program, held at the W.W. Law Community Center, aims to offer a constructive alternative for youth and foster connections with community mentors.
The initiative is a direct response to concerns about youth engagement and is designed to help prevent gang involvement by building a stronger, more connected community for young people and their families.
Key Takeaways
- The Chatham County Gang Prevention and Intervention Commission (CCGPIC) hosts the monthly "Skate and Elevate" event for local youth.
- The program's primary goal is to provide a safe space and positive activities to help prevent gang violence.
- A key partnership with the 912 Skaters Coalition expands the event's reach and builds a sense of community among skaters.
- Mentors are present at each event to connect with teens and offer guidance, aiming to improve character and personal development.
A Proactive Approach to Youth Safety
At the W.W. Law Community Center on Saturday, the sounds of music and rolling skate wheels filled the air as dozens of local teens gathered for the latest Skate and Elevate event. This program is a core component of the Campaign4Life initiative, managed by the Chatham County Gang Prevention and Intervention Commission (CCGPIC).
Organizers emphasize that creating these kinds of supervised, positive spaces is more critical than ever. The event offers more than just an activity; it provides a structured environment where young people can socialize, dance, and skate without the negative pressures they might face elsewhere.
“There’s been a lot of terrible stuff that’s been going on, so just putting positivity back in the air, having those people come by with their kids and families,” said Baruch Pilcher, the outreach and special event coordinator for CCGPIC.
The goal is straightforward: to offer a compelling and fun alternative that steers young people away from risky behaviors. By focusing on positive engagement, the commission hopes to build resilience and strong character among the county's youth.
The Power of Community Partnerships
The success of Skate and Elevate is built on collaboration. The CCGPIC has partnered with the 912 Skaters Coalition, a local group dedicated to promoting the skating community. This partnership has been instrumental in attracting participants and creating an authentic, welcoming atmosphere.
Hannah Walker, the founder and co-president of the 912 Skate Coalition, highlighted the importance of these connections. She noted that the events have helped skaters from across the area find each other and form new friendships.
“Since we started this so many skaters have mentioned that like ‘I didn’t know there was more of me out there, I’m meeting more people and making so many friends,’” Walker explained.
This sense of belonging is a key protective factor for young people. When teens feel connected to a positive peer group, they are less likely to seek validation from negative sources. The coalition's involvement ensures the event resonates with its target audience, making it feel less like an official program and more like a genuine community gathering.
What is the Campaign4Life Initiative?
Campaign4Life is a broader strategy by the Chatham County Gang Prevention and Intervention Commission. Its mission is to organize a series of community-focused events that connect families and provide resources aimed at preventing gang violence. Skate and Elevate is one of its most visible monthly programs, designed specifically for teenagers.
More Than Just Skating: The Role of Mentorship
While skating is the main attraction, a crucial element of the Skate and Elevate events is the presence of adult mentors. These volunteers are available throughout the evening for teens who want to talk, seek advice, or simply connect with a trusted adult.
This informal mentorship is a cornerstone of the CCGPIC's strategy. The commission believes that consistent, positive interactions with adults can have a profound impact on a young person's development.
“This is an area for everybody to just be in a safe environment, have a great time, smile and connect with different folks,” Pilcher said. He added that these interactions could “help build, I say, a child’s character and their development, maybe put them on the right or correct path to succeed in life.”
The Importance of Safe Spaces
Community programs that provide safe and supervised after-school and weekend activities are consistently linked to positive youth outcomes. They are shown to reduce juvenile crime, improve social skills, and provide access to positive role models, which are critical factors in preventing gang involvement.
Building a Network for Youth Outreach
The CCGPIC is actively looking to expand its network of partners. Leaders from the commission are reaching out to other organizations that focus on youth outreach to create a more comprehensive support system across Chatham County.
The vision is to create a web of positive activities and resources so that every young person has access to opportunities that promote growth and success. By combining efforts, different organizations can share resources, reach more families, and create a unified front against negative influences.
The Skate and Elevate program serves as a model for this collaborative approach, demonstrating how a simple, recurring event can become a powerful tool for community building and violence prevention.
The 912 Skaters Coalition hosts events every month in Chatham County. Families interested in attending future Skate and Elevate events or other youth programs can find more information on the Chatham County Gang Prevention and Intervention Commission’s official website and social media channels.