Paris, Tenn.–Carl Anderson from REAL Hope Youth Center in Paris was the speaker at the Paris Quota Club and told the group of the influence of a few Christian men had on his life as a young boy, playing basketball in west Paris.
Anderson told of this personal experience to show how adults can influence children early in life or later on in their adult life. He became the director of REAL Hope to give back to the community; just as it was given to him. He said that suicide is the #2 killer of children 10-19 in the United States.
REAL Hope is currently raising money to build a youth center on India Road. There are two phases to the construction project – in 5-year increments. An architect has been engaged to draw up plans as part of Phase 1 and he estimates the cost to be $500,000-$750,000. Phase II should bring total project costs to approximately one million dollars. Grants are being applied for, as well as local fundraising.