It depends on who you ask as to what they know, or how they have participated. Pensacola is a philanthropic town and if you are not a part of the gift that is giving of yourself, time, or money then you may need to reconsider.
We are so thankful for the many resources provided here in our town. It takes many to care for our village. “Money is just paper. It’s no good if you can’t use it. What’s more important than money? Friendships!” according to Reverend Powell. It’s through those friendships that he began his service to the children of our community so many years ago, and was the precursor to what we now call Truth For Youth.
Reverend Powell has spent the better part of 30+ years providing a space for the underserved youth of the Pensacola community. Moving to Pensacola in the early 1960s from Birmingham, Alabama he learned quickly what the world was like and what that meant for him. He knew of the Civil Rights movement from back home but had never experienced the segregation that existed, and better understood the need for it after several encounters in his new town. He eventually left Pensacola and proudly served in the Marine Corps.
Truth is, Rev. Powell was born to serve — Serve his country and his community, something he continues to do even today. He is a man of faith with the purpose of walking in the way of the Lord, gracious and grateful for what he has and always wanting to share it with those who might not have the same moral compass, support, and love that he had.
1995 was the start of a mission to serve the underserved youth of the community. It began with lock-ins. Anywhere the community would allow them. As often happens with positive experiences, word began to spread. The lock-in numbers grew. Soon they had thousands coming to the Bay Center, bussed in for the night.
The police and others volunteering their time to teach the kids they mattered, self respect and respect for others. Now adults, many of those kids make sure to tell Rev. Powell how those opportunities helped them, shaped them, and how fondly they remember it all.
When he was given the chance to purchase the old bakery in Belmont-DeVilliers, as a home for Truth for Youth, Rev. Powell jumped at the opportunity. Initially, events and activities took place there. Games, tutoring, family gatherings and opportunities to collect much needed goods happened there. They were able to have a hot meal and some of that famous Rev. Powell kool-aid.
It was a safe place to gather, and a much needed refuge. However in 2015, weather and age made the building uninhabitable. Since then, efforts to raise the funds to buy the building outright have taken place. Last year, he was able to secure ownership.
Plans for restoration are well underway with the architectural plans drawn up. Clear visions of its use and hopes to educate, create opportunities to learn trades, learn how to be good citizens and stewards of the community are well established.
Now, there is one more piece to the puzzle. We need funds to finish acquiring the parking lot on Belmont St. The funds are needed immediately to make sure current events continue while the building is under construction and use of the lot can continue well into the future. It’s the same lot that patrons of Five Sisters use. It will be devastating to the neighborhood and Truth For Youth to lose it.
Join the effort and donate today!
To Donate: bricksrus.com/donorsite/truthforyouth
Learning and engaging in stem activities, basic decorum, learning skills for life and various trades are all part of the mission of Truth For Youth. It is an important resource for our underserved children.