Teens With a PurposeNORFOLK

The City of Norfolk has partnered with local non-profit Teens With a Purpose-The Movement (TWP) to provide a designated location for teen programs in the city.

Throughout the year, TWP hosts numerous events and seminars to provide HIV and STD prevention information and focus on preventing gang violence, dating abuse, teen pregnancy, distracted teen driving, bullying and other life-changing issues facing today’s teens.

     TWP recently relocated their headquarters to the Vivian C. Mason Arts & Technology Center (VCM), 700 E. Olney Road, a city-owned recreation facility. The center is also home to the Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space’s (RPOS) Youth Services Bureau, which provides city-wide teen programming such as the Norfolk Youth Council and After the Bell after school program. The change in location will allow for increased activity between the groups, in turn providing more opportunities and programs for area teens.

Darrell Crittendon, Director of RPOS, states, “Having TWP join us at VCM gives both organizations the opportunity for increased collaboration on events and programs that will benefit Norfolk’s teens. With the enthusiasm and past success that TWP brings, we hope to transform the space into a place specifically for teens, where they can take part in recreation, leadership, mentoring and educational programs.”

Deirdre Love is the Founder and Executive Director of Teens With a Purpose. “Moving our program from one day a week at the Crispus Attucks Cultural Art Center to five days a week at VCM has lifted time constraints and removed space barriers. Our growth and development seems boundless,” says Love.

Teens with a Purpose was developed in 1996 with a mission to promote abstinence and help build self-esteem through innovative programs for teens in the Hampton Roads area. Today, the group has more than 40 members and impacts thousands yearly during community events, workshops, teen summer camp and ongoing teen peer-led events.

The Vivian C. Mason Arts & Technology Center is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Both groups invite teens to stop by and receive information on upcoming events and programs. The Vivian C. Mason Arts & Technology Center is located at 700 E. Olney Road in Norfolk Virginia.  For more information about Teens With a  Purpose visit www.twp-themovement.org or call (757) 747-2679.

      For more information on Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space’s (RPOS) Youth Services Bureau, visit www.norfolk.gov/rpos.