Harris Youth Shelter celebrates 5 years in Bartow
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Jose (in blue shirt), a graduate of the George Harris Youth Shelter who was identified by his first name only, shares his story with guests attending the facility's open house. Jose was described by staff as inspirational and a good mentor to the younger residents.
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Polk County Commissioner Melony Bell chats with visitors to the George Harris Youth Shelter's open house. Bell said the shelter and its residents are near and dear to her heart.
PHOTOS BY MARY CANNADAY
Guests at the George Harris Youth Shelter open house in Bartow were treated to a smorgasbord of gourmet treats as well as a presentation by a graduate of the shelter and a tour of the facility.
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Latonya Jackson, Outreach Caseworker at the George Harris Youth Shelter, takes visitors on a tour of the facility during the open house Tuesday night. The facility is only five years old, and recently underwent a sprucing up as well.
Considered home by many youth with nowhere to turn, the George W. Harris Jr. Youth Shelter celebrated its fifth year in Bartow Tuesday. An open house drew guests from social and educational agencies, elective office. and the community at large.
The original shelter, Cornerstone, opened in a former Mulberry church camp in 1994, with the considerable assistance of Harris, a Bartow resident and President and Chairman of Citrus and Chemical Bank. Joining the advisory board of Youth and Family Alternatives, (the shelter’s parent agency,) Harris continued to provide support and expertise, and when YFA sought to move the shelter to Bartow, he was instrumental in guiding the initiative. Harris died in 2006 and the shelter was named in his honor.
