The Youth and Young Adult Development Center has been promoting a positive change for youth and young adults ranging from 8 to 30 years old, since 2003.

At their new location at 6163 Washington Street, the ministry is working to help the community overcome obstacles such as poverty, drugs, alcohol and teenage pregnancy.

A non-profit 501C3, the organization provides a safe and healthy environment where youth can congregate and enjoy structured after-school activities. Their motto is "Helping to make lives will help to make life better."

Companies who support the ministry with their resources and talents are TMC Fashion, Stintech Communications and Engineering, Zion Computer Training Institute and Scott Travel, all housed at this location. Services include computer training, multi-creative printing, computer sales, service and upgrades, internet café and video solution, insurance, notary, voice lessons, health and fitness, massage therapy, parenting, sewing classes, job training, youth recreation and more.

"When God sends me something, he always sends me his best," said founder Regina Scott as she referred to the talents of her staff. "Our people have read the vision and are beginning to run with it. There is so much that the people in the community need - but more than anything, they need Christ in their life."

A house of resources, the center teaches individuals how to become productive in their personal life and in the community by providing education enhancement, counseling, mentoring, after school programs, crisis intervention, prevention, life skills training and employment skills. The center will enable youth and young adults to reach their maximum level of independence and help them to function as adults.

Youth On the Move For Christ Ministries Inc. was established August 28, 1996, by founder/director and apostle/pastor Regina Scott, who has been in ministry for over 15 years. CEO and executive director of administration, her desire is to help the whole family.

 Scott is currently partnering with DeKalb Technical College to utilize their resources in adult literacy, continuing education, high school dual enrollment and Work Keys testing to provide additional information for her clients.

"We also want to network with the Department of Labor and DFACS to help train people and teach the spirit of entrepreneurship," said Scott. "We are going to teach people how to help themselves."

Scott began by enlisting the help of her four children who brought friends into the ministry. Scott's daughters include a fitness trainer who will use her skills to help young people to overcome obesity, a vocal coach who will teach voice lessons and the youngest daughter who is helping to network through friends at high school. Her son is an ordained minister and a song producer.

The ministry began 12 years ago in Lithonia when Scott developed a Thursday night Bible study for young people.

"God gave me the vision for a youth center," said Scott. "In 2004, we moved into a building in Stone Mountain which held our church and youth center. We offered mentoring, tutoring and self awareness classes. The Holy Spirit allowed me to help 12 young people who became the foundation of this ministry."

Scott moved the ministry to Usher Street in Covington and met Tina Cobb with TMC Fashion.

"We began praying for another building and found our current location, a 3,000 square foot building on nearly an acre," said Scott. "With only $74 in the church account, friends brought in tithes and an offering to pay the first month's rent and set up costs."

Anthony Stinson, owner of Stintech Communications and Engineering, is the CEO and Executive Director of Technology at the youth center.  He brings 32 years of experience in electronics ranging from prototyping the patents for several electronic devices for corporations, hospitals and industrial customers. Stinson repairs electronics such as audio, video, computer and TV/Internet broadcasting. Stinson will offer computer training through Zion Computer Training Institute to include certification programs such as A+ Certification and the Microsoft Office Suite. The Center for Disease Control donated 25 computers to the ministry.

Lisa Stinson, director of communications and ministry partner with her husband at the center, hopes that young people will become proficient in computer training and secure better jobs.

Tina Cobb, evangelist, CEO and executive director of Fashion/Designs, started her sewing career in high school when she was 14 years old, designing outfits just to be different. Cobb opened her sewing business in 1988. Now with 34 years of experience, she designs clergy robes, dancing outfits, flags, prayer shawls and pillows. Showcased in the center's store front, her original dress designs begin at $65.

"In 1988, I operated my first shop, TMC Fashion, on the square, and I sewed for 10 years making prom and wedding apparel and made window treatments," said Cobb. "After 10 years, I moved to another location. A friend showed me Apostle Scott's card and God told me that she was going to be part of my destiny. My vision is to give back by teaching young adults to use their hands, to sew and create designs."

The goal is to maintain a center where youth can learn about God, have fellowship and talk over their problems. Jonathan Tinker, a student at Newton County High School and president of Youth on the Move for Christ Ministries, said that the ministry has played an important role in grounding him in Christian values as he transitions into manhood.

Sophia Wade, who is known as the "get everyone together person," has a desire to see young people get on the right track, to know God and to know what he can do.

Shanel Scott, a student at Newton County High School and vice president of Youth on the Move for Christ, believes she has a gift of leadership and enjoys praising God through the dance ministry.

Individuals who would like to make monetary donations may make checks payable to Youth and Young Adult Development Center. The organization is in need of a grant writer, computer instructors, seamstresses, sewing machines and anyone who will donate their time and partner in prayer.

Scott is currently directing an off Broadway gospel play which features her daughter Chimere Scott, "The Laud Done Sent Me a Man" by Robert Beasley of Vivacious Vision Production Company. Tickets for the March 15 and 16 performances at the Social Circle Theater may be purchased in advance for $15 or $20 at the door.

A two-hour play, the eight member cast delivers a delightful story about a lady who looks for a man in all the wrong places. Proceeds at the concession stand will benefit the youth center.

The community is invited to church services at the center on Sunday and Bible study on Friday night.

For more information, call (678) 658-6219, or (404) 587-4420 or e-mail youthonthemove96@yahoo.com.