The Phillis Wheatley center has been a second home for countless number of kids over the years, and now they may have to make some cuts due to lack of funding.
Known for their part in steering thousands of kids in the right direction, the center is struggling financially.
LaFredrick Coaxner says being raised by a single mom, he's thankful for this place, admitting it kept him focused and off the streets.
"When I look at the teens that are here now and the children that are here, I see myself in them and it bothers me and scares me. What could become of them if they don't have Phillis Wheatley here?"
Coaxner now has a bachelor's degree in opera from Julliard in New York and says it was all because of the push from the Phillis Wheatley staff.
Latasha Bell says she's hoping her boys make something of themselves as well.
She moved to Greenville from California to give them a chance at a better life.
She says the area is doomed without the center. "I don't see a great future without Phillis Wheatley being there, especially in this community where it's needed. There's so much talent that comes out of this center, it's ridiculous to me that it even got this bad."
David Johnstone is the principal at Sterling School, located right across the street.
He says for years he's seen children, who he feared had no chance, blossom right before his eyes. "It only takes you to visit it, and you realize, it's money well spent. I know from personal experience, they change kids lives, I've watched it happen!"
Executive Director, Donna Coleman says most of the kids come from single parent homes, with other siblings and a household income of less than 20 thousand a year. She says, "Realistically speaking, they can't afford the services that we provide, you know people ask us, well can't you get them to pay something, pay what, i mean, pay for what?"
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