Donese Gordon, a Georgia woman who lost her son due to gun violence, has now opened up a resource center to save teens from the same type of tragedy. Grant’s World, located in East Point, Georgia, serves as a “Youth Job Resource Center” and helps teens stay off the streets.
“These kids are robbing and killing each other and I want to teach them that they don’t have to rob and steal,” Gordon told 11 Alive.
The Georgia mother said her son Grant Antonio Payton had just started working at Chick-Fil-A, his first job, shortly before he was killed at the age of 16 in 2018. The shooter had attempted to rob Payton and another teen, according to Fox 5 Atlanta .
“He was so excited to get his first job. So, in order to turn my pain into purpose, I opened up a job resource center so I could help other kids find jobs,” Gordon said. “When I walk through these doors, it is in honor of him.”
The resource center, which serves 15 to 24-year-olds from Georgia, has already secured jobs for more than 40 young people. The center also strives to help youth build workforce skills and promote entrepreneurship.
While some can access the services virtually, others can visit the building to get access to computers and obtain other materials they need for job interviews. The building will soon include a closet filled with the appropriate clothing for job interviews.
“So, we’re going to have interview clothing for girls and interview clothing for young men here as well as interview shoes as well as non-skid shoes as well,” Gordon said while giving a tour of the center.
Additionally, office supplies have been donated to the non-profit. Gordon said she has also secured breath mints for the youth because they will need them when they go for job interviews.
“It’s the little things that matter and we have them all,” she said.
The center is also conveniently located by a MARTA station and has received donations of transit passes.
For Gordon, the key is to make sure young people are heard.
“We listen to them. They come in and tell us what they want to do and we provide them with the resources,” she said.
The Grant’s World founder said she almost didn’t survive after losing her son. But her work in the community has given her a reason to keep pushing forward.
“What kept me alive is, I refused to bury Grant. With me doing Grant’s World, I’m not only keeping his legacy alive and him living through me, I’m helping other children,” she said. “This is how I survived. As long as I’m on this Earth, I want him to live forever through me.”
Gordon, who will have a grand opening for the center on May 29, is looking for volunteers, coaches and employers to help. #Teens #Honor #YouthCenter
