Who We Are: SMYRC Youth

"The SMYRC youth are the most amazing and inspirational people I have ever met. They have taught me everything from fighting racism to making collages in the 10 years I have been working with them. They design beautiful murals, they perform at our packed house open mic nights, they share their dreams and goals with me every week, they ride bikes, they make decisions about the policies of the center, they teach each other how to cook, they challenge each other to be stronger, bolder and more independent. They push themselves to be the best people they can be, and challenge me to many games of pool, air hockey and foosball. They read poetry, they make new friends, they build a fence and a pride float with only a few tools and a lot of great ideas. The SMYRC youth bring joy and meaning to the world we live in."

Zan Gibbs, former SMYRC Staff