Youth Summit of HOPE

Audrey “Pat” McGhee has a keen vision for fashion and beauty. As a model and fashion designer, her eyes are fixed to see the best on the inside of a person and bring it forth on the runway for others to see. This gift also serves well as a Delinquency Prevention Specialist for the Department of Juvenile Justice, Office of Prevention & Victim Services.

McGhee’s day is filled with juveniles who have great potential, but get side tracked along the way. Her heart burns for the youth in the community and she sees a vision of hope and it’s now.

The vision is that of youth realizing their potential and being guided toward that success.

The picture features boys and men, girls and women dialoging and sharing each other life perspective.

“I really believe that for the most part we have good kids,” said McGhee. “They sometimes go astray and if we can redirect them to see the good that is in them, then it can become great for all of us. We have to have people who are willing to take a few hours out of the life to make a difference in the life of someone else.”

Last week adults and youth gathered at YMCA of the Suncoast – Greater Ridgecrest Branch in Largo, McGhee has teamed up with the Department of Juvenile Justice, Poynter, Pathways 2 Success, Jam Gives Hope, Boys & Girls Club of the Suncoast and the YMCA to present “It’s all about the YOUTH Summit of HOPE.”

The summit was designed to bring awareness to the importance of mentoring by giving back to the youth of Pinellas County. At the summit, mentors from the community partnered with the youth to have conversations, build relationships, inspire, coach and affirm mentoring matters.

There is potential to make a difference in the lives of today’s youth.