STERLING – A hardworking group of young people is holding an open house Saturday to show off its new home.

Members of Giving Power to Adolescents want to welcome the community to their Center For Youth, the former Abiding Word Church at 312 E. Fourth St., so the club is holding a Youth Day Block Party from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday in Central Park, next to Grandon Civic Center.

I've met a handful of young people in the group. They are dedicated to their organization and its mission: giving teens a positive, safe place to hang out.

One of the organizers says the celebration is intended to get the club's name out to the public. I think a daylong block party is a great way to involve the public and show them what the club is all about.

The activities are geared toward the entire family and will include dunk tanks, bounce houses, bags and raffles.

It will also serve as the opening of GPA's thrift store. Money raised from sales will benefit the group and its activities.

The event ties in directly with the Assets Outreach initiative in the Sterling-Rock Falls area. The idea is to promote common-sense values that help young people grow.

It's great to see young people take the initiative to plan and organize such an event.

The teens likely have learned important lessons about planning, organizing and working together to make something like Youth Day possible.

I encourage all to attend, and show them that the community stands beside them on their path to success in life.



Sauk Valley Media reporter Kiran Sood covers government and happenings in Sterling and Rock Falls. She can be reached at ksood@saukvalley.com or at 800-798-4085, ext. 529.