CIVIC CENTER

The Cape Girardeau Civic Center provides recreational, educational and vocational activities for disadvantaged youths in the community.

The youths served are predominantly low-income and minorities, although the programming is not limited to those groups.

The center provides a place for young people to gather for socialization and education. Organized programs include tutoring, peer facilitation, rap groups, counseling and teen pregnancy counseling. In the past year, several new programs were initiated, including a GED program and young woman's nurturing group. A job exploration program has been implemented and is currently in the process of being expanded.

Junior Optimist and Junior Achievement clubs also operate out of the center as do Big Brothers and Big Sisters programs.

The agency plans to provide a culture fair this year, as well as adding a new program designed to encourage young people to stay in school.

Director of the agency is Calvin Bird. For more information call 335-7141.