Options

Paul Whitmire told the Channel 5 reporter that one purpose of Rock Island is to provide choices and options to the youth in this neighborhood that is blighted with crack houses, pornography and other crime.

He said when kids are on the street looking for stuff to do in this environment, there are not many choices outside the negative influences. Rock Island will provide choices for teens with a house that will be safe, that'll provide computer training, that will have mentoring and tutoring, and that will just be fun with video games, maybe some pool, movies and hanging out.

Paul was quick to point out that at Cross & Crown, they do not judge or cast out the prostitutes, drug addicts or homeless in the neighborhood. He said "We accept them. We help them with food, clothing and, most of all, prayer. We help them get help when they ask for it."