Newspaper Page Text
Unsung
By Dierdre Merritt-Morrow
There’s a boy I personally know nam
ed Mike. Imagine Mike with no spiritual
or parental guidance, having no one to
look up to and seemingly no reason to
look up to anyone at all. How would you
picture Mike? Probably lost in sin and
in all kinds of trouble. Well, Mike was
introduced to a program that’s full of
opportunities for self improvement. Now
remember, Mike was totally lost. He was
drinking, thieving, dropped out of school
and doing other negative things. As Mike
grew in the program, his mentality
changed. He became more focused and
intent upon purpose. He got back in
school and began to make good grades
and he spent most of his time seeking the
Lord.
Happy, excited, energized and eager to
learn are a few words that describe the
kids in Genesis. You may be wondering
what is Genesis and what about it excites
these kids so. Genesis Educational Ser
vices, Inc. founded by my father, Ran
dall Merritt, is a program that provides
special attention to the needs of our
Black youth, most of whom are econom
ically and socially disadvantaged.
Being a volunteer leader of Genesis,
I’ve had the privilege to explore the dif
ferent opportunities and benefits
throughout the program such as enter
ZEBRA SALUTES
Heroes: Genesis Helps Kids
tainment, education, religious values and
cultural experiences. Genesis affects
Black teens between the ages of 12 and
18. This group is targeted because they
are more prone to self destruction. They
are old enough to take on some respon
sibilities, yet young enough to turn their
lives around. Some of the Teens today
face problems - suicide attempts, drop
ping out of school, or just withdrawing
from family and friends. These teens lack
accessible role models. They don’t have
someone positive to look up to and talk
to personally. They also lack enough
parental guidance. They also lack educa
tion. Not because they are dumb, but
because they don’t get recognition and
someone to make them do it.
Genesis has programs to help each
teen. Educational programs include
creative decision making, life skills and
career development. The kids often get
together socially and they get involved
together in church and other communi
ty activities. Genesis also takes them
places to learn more about their heritage.
Through entertainment Genesis goes to
the beach, has picnics and much more.
Genesis also has a program with the
parents. Each parent of these kids gets
together and talks about how to become
more involved in his child’s life, coping
with his child’s problems and par
ticipating in Genesis.
Genesis also raises money by having
car washes, bake sales, yard sales, talent
shows and gospel concerts. Businesses,
community organizations and churches
have all contributed for the welfare of
Genesis. This money is for Genesis to go
on trips and to provide resources to the
program.
Isn’t it just great for the Black com
munity to have a program that it can call
its own and help itself to work with and
solve the problems of our youth!
Randall M. Merritt, Founder & President
of Genesis Educational Services, Inc.
NEW 95 FORD
MUSTANG GT '
# 11220, R10, red, tinted, cleafcoat, loaded. ^ — ^ /y
$10,544.25
111 S. BROAD ST. • CRAWFORD, GA 30630
706-743-8161
$18,900.00
NEW 94 FORD
RANGER XLT
# 11210, air, AM/FM cassette, 60/40 seat,
cast aluminum wheels and more.
ZEBRA VOL. 3 ISSUE 1
27