Killeen teen mentorship program opens to help curb violence

KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - Killeen parents have a new option for their teens, it’s a mentorship program that’s after school and on Saturdays.

The Impossible Teen Club reaches the youth directly by keeping them off the streets while curbing crime.

Whether it’s growing a green thumb or making music in the club’s built in studio, the opportunities at the impossible teen club are endless.

Club member, Jarrell Green said without the club, he’d be bored at home.

Green said he notices how other teens who are bored will fill that void in the streets, adding the club could turn their life around.

“It gives more students places to go instead of running the streets. Just takes them away from all of the nonsense and gives them a place to go,” said Green.

Organizers said the program’s house is historic.

It’s the same home Oveta Culp Hobby grew up in, the first secretary of health, education and welfare in the country under president Eisenhower.

Green explained one of the main reasons you’ll see him at the club is because of executive director, Vantonio Fraley being a good role model.

“I can talk to him when I need him, when I need to. Anybody can talk to him, he’s there for you,” said Green.

Fraley said he started the mentorship program because Killeen hit a record high of teen deaths over a decade ago.

“In my mind it’s like, ‘Well, what’s going on that makes these kids want to kill each other?’ the simple answer was purpose, people were feeling like they didn’t have a purpose or something to believe in,” said Fraley.

Fraley made it his purpose to start a plan and 15 years later children can pick if they want to double dutch, join debate club, make digital graphics and more.

“The same way I’m telling them to focus on their purpose, I’m telling them they’re my purpose. So, making sure I’m here for them or providing a place for them so at minimum, they feel they can come somewhere safe,” said Fraley.

Assistant director, Ebony Bowen said they need community support to keep the club running.

“As a nonprofit, we’re always looking for more resources. We are in desperate need of donations, sponsors, partners, anyone looking to help us out,” said Bowen.

If you would like to donate or volunteer, click here.

If a young adult wants to volunteer through Workforce Solutions Central Texas, click here.

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