News : CDRC in the News

October 9th, 2010

By Jeff Murray October 9, 2010, 4:35 pm

Willie Owens freely admits he made a lot of mistakes in his life, and now he wants to help troubled young people avoid going down the same path.

So Owens helped organize a youth block party Saturday at Ernie Davis Park in Elmira.

The block party, sponsored by the Community Dispute Resolution Center, featured food, entertainment and inspirational speakers.

There also was representation from a number of community organizations.

"We have a lot of opportunities, not just hanging on the street and dealing drugs. We are trying to redirect their vision in a positive way," Owens said. "Elmira is a good place to live. We know what we have to do to turn these kids around."

Among the guest speakers Saturday was Javon Harden, 20, who said he's made plenty of mistakes and finally turned his own life around after he fathered two sons.

"Since I was 12, I've been locked up all around New York State. I did drugs, weed and ran with gangs," Harden said.

"We're just giving the message out. You've got a good road and a bad road. You walk down the one you want."

At least some of the youths who turned out for Saturday's block party took the message to heart.

"We don't need to waste our time doing all these bad things," said Ta-veon Jenkins, 17, of Elmira.

"People are trying to do as much as they can to benefit youth," said his brother, James Jenkins, 19. "I respect that."