Youths from the Sierra Osage Treatment Center and the Sears Youth Center paid tribute to the memory of 9/11 as they prepared donated food at a fish fry for local first responders. The items were provided by David and Sharon Kissinger, FCC Behavioral Health, and coordinated donations from a novel volunteerism app called Just Serve.
“I think it’s important for our kids to give back,” said Curtis Vaughn, Department of Youth Services assistant regional administrator in the southeast region.
He remarked the event provided the opportunity for the youths to present a different side to the community.
“They see people that are caring and nice,” Vaughn noted. “They’re decent kids that made mistakes.”
They also crafted a decorative cutting board with a motif of the World Trade Centers and an American flag with the words “Never forget” burned into the wood. They presented it to Poplar Bluff Fire Department Chief Mike Moffitt.
Brian Hicks, another assistant regional administrator for DYS, said community-facing service projects are critical to the reform process.
“It’s about getting the community to see these are good young men and women who made bad decisions,” he commented, “It helps the (youths) see that what they do matters. It helps that self-worth.”
Manager of the Sierra Osage Treatment Center Bobby Baugh said the event was a special way to give back to the first responders.
“These are the folks that make the community go ‘round,” he commented.
“We’re strong community partners,” DYS Regional Administrator Paula Shaw stated, “It’s our way of giving back to the community.”
She was pleased with the turnout of law enforcement, emergency medical service and firefighting personnel.
“It’s a big thanks for the service they provide,” Shaw said.
Just Serve specialist Irma Grace added the lunch provided a perfect opportunity for community members to think about volunteerism.
“If you think about others, you feel better,” she said.
Jason Courtney, accreditation manager with the Poplar Bluff Police Department, expressed his appreciation for the event, the efforts of the young volunteers and the chance to change their impression of law enforcement.
“It’s a good chance for them to get to know us,” he said.
Courtney also emphasized the importance of keeping the memory of first responders who died on 9/11 alive.
“They gave a lot for their community which is something we try to do. They paid the ultimate price for it,” he affirmed.
Paramedic Kyle Bahner with Butler County EMS remarked, “Purpose, drive, and things to do are awesome for kids.”
He admired the growth of the youth involved and their honoring of those killed on 9/11.
“It’s important to keep in the public’s mind what exactly are the risks in the profession and the risks they take every day,” Bahner shared.
Captain of Troop E for the Missouri State Highway Patrol Jason Cluver stated, “It’s a good opportunity to interact with the community.”
Though the Sierra Osage and Sears students may have had initially negative interactions with law enforcement, he said, “It’s a good way to see us as people in a positive light.”
Sears Youth Center Manager Mike Burchard said the event exceeded his expectations. “I’m tickled to death. It’s been an awesome experience.”
Baugh and Burchard estimated between 100 and 150 first responders attended the lunch. Baugh confirmed plans for repeating the event next year.
“It’s showing these kids are making a positive difference,” Burchard affirmed.