In 2001, the Silver Star MB Church secured the donation of an abandoned house, which had previously been used for illicit activities. With volunteer assistance and with some help from inmates at Parchman Penitentiary, the Rome Community Development Organization cleared out the overgrowth around the building and repaired the internal structure. The William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation was able to solicit donations to cover minimal construction costs. In the spring of 2003, it secured bookshelves and conducted a childrenís book drive on the University of Mississippi campus to create a childrenís library, with an initial donation of 817 books. With the establishment of the youth community center, youth activities have taken center stage in Rome. Thirty children, ages K-12, participate in center activities. Beginning in the summer of 2003, the WWIRR challenged the kids to read 750 books to win a field trip of their choice. They read 800 books and chose the University of Mississippi in Oxford for their trip. In 2004, Institute staffer Annette Hollowell and Winter Institute interns helped the children begin an oral history project. In August that year, children from the center, along with youth from a similar Winter Institute project in Batesville, Mississippi, came to UMís campus for two days of activities, including designing web sites with their communitiesí histories. In addition to these summer programs, the parents of the center children conduct after-school tutoring and homework help throughout the year, as well as end-of-the-year parties to celebrate the academic achievements of the youth during the school year. Beyond this academic focus, the center is also able to offer a variety of other activities for the childrenís enrichment, including art programs. UM-based artist Amy Evans has worked with the children to do community clean-ups that result in public sculpture, as well as using a variety of materials for specific projects. The children also designed and painted the youth centerís sign. Tax-deductible donations to the Rome Community Youth Development Center can be made through the Rome Community Development Organization. Email rcdo96@hughes.net for more information.   Click an image to view a larger version. "I loved spending time with the kids from Rome. The day at the water-park was the greatest. I had never been to a water-park before. I also have a fear of heights, so I was extremely reluctant at first to go on any attractions. However, the kids encouraged me to conquer my fear. By the end of the day we were all having the time of our lives." Judith Barlow-Roberts