TOLEDO, Ohio — East Toledo Teens United, a youth intervention organization, held its weekly meeting Wednesday at Salem United Methodist Church to plan future volunteer opportunities.
Robert Buck, the leader of the organization, says teens involved in the group raise money by working at different places, like the Fifth Third Field. The money is then used for humanitarian efforts and even fun trips, like one the group took to New York City.
"I want every kid that feels like they're in a bad situation to come here and try to find guidance in any way possible," Buck said.
Buck has been in the group since he was a teen, when the founder of the group, George Mitchell, recruited him. Once he passed just a few months ago, Buck took over.
"This was his baby and this group was everything to him," Buck said. "He made sure he had time for every kid that came through these doors. You could have been the worst kid on the street. He didn't turn you away. He just showed the right way to do it and that's what I'm here to do."
Buck says he was one of those kids and the organization helped him get through some tough times.
Others in the group say it has similarly helped them in their lives.
"The group has done a lot for me actually, emotionally and physically," member Lillyan Parish said. "I am a better person than I was."
While the group's numbers have dwindled over the years, Buck said he and his team are working on building it back up and trying to reach more teens before it's too late. Without East Toledo Teens United, he may have gone down a different path.
"I'd probably be either in jail or in a really bad place, not where I'm at now," Buck said. "That's the only way I can explain it, not where I'm at now."
Meetings are held at Salem United Methodist Church at 602 Federal St. in east Toledo.
For those interested in the organization and its work, Buck can be contacted at 419-466-2866.
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