SEATTLE — From carjackings and thefts to serious assaults and homicides, teenagers in Seattle are aware of the violence and crime involving in their peers.
"I'm well aware of it. A lot of it happens at my school," said 13-year-old Dominick Pavageau, a member of the Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club.
On Wednesday, Seattle police released a surveillance video of a teen stealing a woman's purse and then punching her - another example of crimes involving young people.
"I really don't understand why people don't take consideration on following their dreams," Pavageau added. "I don't know if they do it to be cool, or something [like that]. I don't understand it."
Pavageau and classmate J'Andre Castillo spoke to KING 5 while playing basketball with other club members.
"I don't want [any] of my people going down the wrong direction. I want to keep myself accountable," said 14-year-old Castillo.
Both of the teens, who attend the same middle school, credited the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County for providing a safe space, along with programs to help them excel in life.
"I love it here. It's like a space where I can share my ideas but I can also express my feelings to those around me," Castillo said. "The staff here is really encouraging to help us follow our goals."
Pavageau was quick to point out his grades in school.
"I actually used to be not that good in school. Once I came here and found out more about the club, I became a straight-A student," he said, drawing attention to his new confidence in public speaking. "And that's going to help me later in life."
Paying it Forward
The teen director at Rainier Vista is Zonyia Cormier, a self-described former "club kid" herself.
"I literally grew up down the street. My grandma still owns a business three blocks down the street," she said. "The counselors and staff that were mentors to me and looked out for me when I didn't have anywhere to go, when I was hungry, it's just paying it forward."
Cormier said it's important to be a sounding board for the children, but she also maintains relationships with their parents.
"Leaving that door open for parents is huge. I have parents who call just to say, 'hey I just want to make sure my kid's there today,'" she said. "It alleviates that stress."
Boys & Girls Clubs of King County offer programs for kids as young preschool age, through their teenage years and into young adulthood.
"We know there are a lot of things going on in the City of Seattle. We want to be the place where you can be confident that you can go to Rainier Vista, you'll get fed, hang out with your friends, play some '2K' and you'll be good."
For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, visit their website.
For more information about additional resources and programs for kids and teens, King County has a custom search tool available here.
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