Trenton Kids paint mural under service project
TRENTON » City juveniles armed with paintbrushes and supplies performed community service Tuesday evening as they showed off their artistic skills alongside Trenton Police officers.
Indeed, several at-risk children in the Trenton Police Department’s YouthStat program endured the 90-degree summer heat to paint a mural on a city building adjacent to Trenton Police headquarters.
With pizza, fried fish, and other food being offered free of charge, the youngsters appeared to be having a ball as hip-hop and R&B tunes played on a loudspeaker.
“This wall is a part of the community service the kids have to complete,” Trenton YouthStat Coordinator Ayana Abdul-Raheem said while overseeing the kids in action. “Beautifying their community is part of their community service.”
YouthStat is a program that provides positive opportunities to boys and girls ages 17 and younger who have gotten into juvenile troubles. Tuesday’s mural project allowed some of the approximately 60 YouthStat juveniles to engage with police officers and chaplains while painting alongside mentors. “It makes a difference,” Abdul-Raheem said.
SAGE Coalition Director of Urban Affairs Earlie Harrell, better known on the streets as Messiah, helped AbdulRaheem organize the mural event, saying, “It is something for the community and kids, so that is something that will automatically get me involved. Art is what it is. It is fun. It brings good spirits.”
Trenton Police chaplain and juvenile officer Nathan Davis viewed the partnership as critical. “We are bridging a gap from the community and police officers so we can develop a better, stronger relationship,” he said. “We are bridging the gap for families that are in crisis.”