Teens With a Purpose (TWP) -The Youth Movement announce their move into the Vivian C. Mason Arts & Technology Center for Teens, a City of Norfolk-owned facility located at 700 E. Olney Road in Norfolk.

TWP partners with the City of Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks and Open Space on various teen programs and events that empower youth to use their voices for positive change in their communities. This lease agreement extends the partnership

When TWP began in 2007, it had a membership of almost a dozen young people. They met in a small room in Blyden Branch Library.

Over the years more and more teens joined and became trained peer leaders. “They all wanted to be a part of this cool eclectic group of trend-setters who were forming a support network for one another,” said Deirdre Love, founder/executive director.

“They were eager to engage and to give back. They looked forward to rehearsals so that they could perfect their talent and aspired to help change the world one teen at a time.”

Today, with more than 40 youth members, TWP impacts thousands yearly during community events, workshops, teen summer camp and ongoing teen peer-led events.

“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,” said Ms. Love.  Youth leader Robert Johnson shared this quote by Shirley Chisholm during the September 11th City Council Hearing that confirmed the new tenants:

“Service is the rent we pay for the privilege to live on this earth.” TWP vows to make this rent payment, on time, every time.

For more information about Teens With a Purpose: www/TWPTheMovement.org or 757-747-2679.

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