Crossroads Teen Centre closes its ministry doors
SOMETIMES, when you get to a crossroads in life, there is no value in trying to go further, and it is wiser to take a step back.
Feeling the same effects of many NPOs throughout the region, Crossroads Teen Centre has closed its doors.
Members of the centre board, as well as staff, teens and other stakeholders came together one last time earlier this month to celebrate what the facility achieved in its 15 years of operation.
The centre was formed after a study was carried out by Empangeni Methodist Church and Christian Social Services among the teenagers in the region in 2007.
The study aimed at determining the social, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being of all teenagers who are schooling in the area.
According to board member Dezi Laatz, the study was conducted in eight high schools and included 3 991 grades 8 to 11 pupils.
Based on the results of the study, Crossroads Teen Centre was formed in 2008 in an attempt to provide a facility in Empangeni that would address many of the needs that emerged.
“The centre opened its doors to the community's teenagers on 3 August 2009, and it was decided that it would be ready to accommodate teens with nuclear activities,” said Laatz.
“Before that, Nici Hornby, centre manager at the time and board member, used the steering committee consisting of teens within our community as pilot runs for the projects.
“In mid-November 2009, the centre’s membership reached 262 members. In July 2010, it increased to over 460. The impact the centre was making was incredible.
“Word spread and more feet came through the doors,” said Laatz.
With many challenges faced by all NPOs and other businesses, including the effects of Covid-19, on 14 March this year, Crossroads Teen Centre's board members, staff, volunteers, teens and sponsors celebrated just shy of 15 years of impacting the lives of young people.
Under one roof one last time, they looked back on what they had accomplished through old photos, sharing stories and enjoying eats at what was their last time connecting at the centre.
Next step
With this closure, Laatz said they do not yet know what the future holds, but are asking God to reveal the next step in impacting the region's youth.
She said the centre's closure should not feel like a loss to the community, but a celebration of what they have done while excitedly waiting to see what God does next.
“We truly believe God is not done with our youth. Now more than ever they need us and as we recognise this need, we wait on God to show us what we must paint on our blank canvas, what He wants to do next” said Laatz.
She said the board thanked the community members who have in many ways supported the centre and come alongside to impact the teenagers throughout the years.
“Without the support and sowing into this vision and heart, Crossroads would not have been able to do what it did for so long. We are extremely thankful,” she said.