TEEN OPPORTUNITY SUBJECT OF FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE

Teen opportunities in recreation, employment and community service exist in the Cape Girardeau area."There are a lot of opportunities for youth in the area," said Jim Govro. "But, something is missing."The missing element, said Govro, is how to make teens aware of all the things they can do.

Govro, a member of the 5-member Leadership Cape Team which studied teen opportunities as a project during the past year, was guest speaker at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Coffee Friday.

The Teen opportunities project was one of five projects studies by Leadership Cape from January through July.

The 25 members of the 1999 Leadership Cape divided into tams for the five projects, which were:n Teen opportunities in Cape Girardeau.n Downtown revitalization.n Developing a volunteer program for the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.n Creating a First Night Cape Girardeau celebration.n A sign enhancement study.

Leadership Cape project information has been forwarded to a number of groups for additional study, and could become a reality.

Govro, manager of West Park Mall, told the group that the object of the project was to assess the opportunities available, and those NOT available to youth of Cape Girardeau."We also wanted to establish a method in which to obtain the individual information needed to gain the insight of the youth within the community, including their likes, dislikes and what they feel would be useful program," said Govro."Our final object was to develop the avenues in which to develop the avenues to implement our conclusions and findings."The team's summary included three priorities to fuel the program.n Creating a Teen Advisory Board: The board, said Govro, could include some 30 youth, from all walks of life, social status, and religious background, along with a group of 5 to 10 business leaders, parents and teachers. "Actually, the list could be endless,' said Govro.n Collect and analyze youth-related data, including types of activity sought by teens.n Publicize efforts of the advisory board and successes of local youth.

The Leadership Cape project revealed a number of opportunities for teens.

The high school offers several dances, clubs and activities for students.

Various local agencies provide regional opportunity, with summer baseball, softball, soccer and other youth leagues."We have a number of organizations that have helped youths of the world, such as Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and Salvation Army," said Govro. The report also points to a number of regional religious organization that offer events and activities of all ages of children and young adults.

A variety of employment opportunities exists for youths.

The report listed fast-food restaurants, movie theaters, departments and grocery stores as sources for jobs.