NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There has been a community of young people building a safe place at the First Baptist Church over the past decade. 

 

It's a place where kids can be themselves, experience no judgement and get along with others from a wide range of backgrounds. Not only do they feel part of the community there, but they also spend time doing good work for the community. 

 

"The best times in my life as a kid was being in youth group," said Leah LeFebvre, who was a member until she aged out. 

 

But found she really missed the fellowship and within a couple of years, she was back as one of the four core adult  leaders.  

 

While adults like Terri Braman, the family life minister, describe the youth group for middle and high school students as a family, the young members are quick to point out it's better than a family because it's completely open to anyone. 

 

You don't need to have been born in a certain place, or go to a certain school, or belong to a specific church, or any church at all. The kids rally around each other, support each other, make everyone feel welcome and valued.

 

A recent conversation with a few of the members quickly got to the core of this group.  

 

"Work has to be done so I do it. I do it because it makes me feel good to do it," said member Liam, while Lydia, another member, added, "It's just making sure people feel loved and part of a community." 

 

"It's not just fellowship," Braman chimed in, "we are here to help."

 

There are about 35 young people currently involved. They all volunteer a minimum number of hours at organizations in the community as well as participating in the youth group events at the church. 

 

Last month, they hosted more than 100 diners at a Thanksgiving meal with sit-down service, menus and real chinaware dishes. They annually hand out free hot cocoa at the city's downtown tree lightings and recently distributed of 400 "blessing bags" with gloves, socks, soap, shampoo, granola bars, lip balm and other useful items to those in need in North Adams.

 

The group is also working on the Christmas play that will be presented during the morning worship at 10 on Sunday, Dec. 24. While younger children are acting in the play, the youth group members have been working on the sets and costumes and will assist with stage changes during the play.

 

Their volunteerism hasn't gone unnoticed. They've twice been nominated for Neighborly Awards  from the Northern Berkshire Community Coaltion, including at this year's recognition event.

 

"Whether it is trash cleanup, or setting up a community event, this group always offers a helping hand with energy enthusiasm," said NBCC Executive Director Amber Besaw in presenting the certificate. 

 

Each year the group goes on a spring break mission trip to help in cities across North America. Last year, youth group members, leaders and chaperones assisted Love On Hamilton, an organization serving people without homes in Hamilton, Ontario. Not only did the group make a difference helping in Hamilton, but the Canadian experience also gave them insight into the realities of living without a home that has made them more understanding and empathetic back home in North Adams.  

 

They've previously gone to the Washington, D.C., area and next year will travel to Nashville, Tenn.

 

Helping has a cost attached to it. In addition to their volunteering at community organizations and their work through the church, they participate in fundraising a significant amount of money.

 

Fundraising events coming up include Parents Night Out, an opportunity for parents to go out and do some holiday shopping or just have a break from their kids. They can drop their children off on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 6 to 9 for a Christmas-themed evening of crafts, snacks, movies, and more with the youth group. The fee per child is $10 and the maximum fee per family is $30. 

 

The fundraising will continue in the new year with a spaghetti dinner in January, a Valentine's Parents Night Out event in February and a pancake breakfast with the Easter bunny in March.  Previous fundraising has included car washes, candy bar sales and selling items at local events such as the Downtown Celebration.