Local Teacher Provides Help and Hope for Students: One Block at a Time
In the bustling town of North Augusta, South Carolina, the echoes of basketballs bouncing off the concrete are a typical soundtrack to weekend mornings. However, what seems like a normal Saturday for locals turned into an extraordinary event this past month. This particular Saturday marked the monthly occurrence that the neighborhood eager children call ‘Adopt-A-Block’ day.
A not-so-typical Saturday
Amid the laughter and squeals of children playing basketball, the palpable joy could be felt. A 9-year-old boy named Antwan, from North Augusta Gardens, highlights the day, saying, “We played, and … had fun.” Alexis McKie, Antwan’s mom, notes how her son “loves it. He’ll be waiting for the Saturdays to come and do stuff with them.”
The pivotal force behind these joyful Saturdays is local teacher Kristy Youngblood who conceived and launched the North Augusta ‘Adopt-A-Block’ initiative. Youngblood, a teacher at Mossy Creek Elementary, was quick to understand the lack of facilities and opportunities available to the local children. She saw a need for these children to realize that they have support and people who genuinely care for them, which led to the birth of ‘Adopt-A-Block.’
Adopt-A-Block: Leaving a Positive Impact
On the third Saturday of every month, Youngblood teams up with a group of dedicated volunteers and visits the local complex. This dedicated team floods the area with positivity and aid, offering food, clothing, and, most importantly, companionship and a sense of security to those in the locality. Alexis conveyed the importance of Youngblood’s work by saying, “It gives the kids something to do besides getting in trouble. It gives them something to look forward to. Knowing that somebody is coming out here that cares.”
The North Augusta Gardens Apartments, the epicenter of this initiative, has unfortunately experienced its fair share of violence in recent years. Shootings and crime have disrupted the peaceful environment, creating a sense of dread among parents and locals. Youngblood and her team are working tirelessly to dissipate this fear through their consistent efforts.
Adopt-A-Block: The Future
Seeing the positive impact this initiative has had on the children deeply gratifies Youngblood. She hopes that these children will grow up knowing that adults care about them and their future. She adds, “There’s a hope, there’s a future out there. You can become anything you want to. You just, you’ve got to work for it. And you’ve got people to support you.”
‘Adopt-A-Block’ is a testament to the power of community support and the crucial role educators play in shaping the lives of their students beyond the classroom. The third Saturday of every month is no longer just a weekend for the kids in North Augusta Gardens but a beacon of hope and promise for a brighter and safer tomorrow.
