FORT WALTON BEACH — For as long as Curtis Jarrett can remember, the Eleanor J. Johnson Youth Center has been a source of support, community and inspiration.
“I’ve been going there since I was a baby, pretty much,” said Curtis, a 17-year-old senior at Choctawhatchee High School. “It’s a place where I know I will definitely be helped.”
The Youth Center is at the Charlie Hill Terrace public housing complex in Fort Walton Beach. It provides year-round programs, including recreation, field trips and help with homework.
Michles & Booth, a local law firm, joined with the Youth Center this summer to offer Curtis a job as a part-time runner in the firm’s Fort Walton Beach and Crestview offices. He will continue to work as his schedule permits through his senior year and beyond, depending on where he attends college.
Curtis is being paid for his work, and the firm is compensating the Youth Center.
He was chosen for the job because of his demonstrated desire to work, good grades and participation in school activities.
“I feel honored,” said Curtis, who lives with his grandparents in Fort Walton Beach. “I still don’t know how it all happened. I am glad to get a firsthand look at the legal process.
“I am thankful that they allow me to come in and work and that they take time to teach me things.”
Michles & Booth wants to develop a program that invites teens from the Youth Center to work for local businesses. Businesses would pay the teens and compensate the center.
“Our ultimate goal is to help the center develop a recurring source of income,” said Marcus J. Michles II. “We see great benefit for all involved to connect the kids of Eleanor Johnson Youth Center with the Fort Walton business community.”
For more information about the program, call Amber Palmer at 864-4848.
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Law firm offers teen firsthand experience
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