About Us
What is The 180 Community Center?
What is The 180 Community Center?
The 180 Community Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Columbia, South Carolina. In collaboration with the community, The 180 Community Center seeks to address the ongoing issue of increased juvenile crime rates by providing a wide range of services within a safe supervised environment for youth (0-17) within Columbia, South Carolina. We believe all youth (0-17) should have the opportunity to discover and develop their interests and talents, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location within a safe environment that incorporates activities of interest to them.
The 180 Community Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Columbia, South Carolina. In collaboration with the community, The 180 Community Center seeks to address the ongoing issue of increased juvenile crime rates by providing a wide range of services within a safe supervised environment for youth (0-17) within Columbia, South Carolina. We believe all youth (0-17) should have the opportunity to discover and develop their interests and talents, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location within a safe environment that incorporates activities of interest to them.
Why Is The 180 Community Center Needed?
Why Is The 180 Community Center Needed?
When many think of the great state of South Carolina, they often think of its warm temperatures, white sand beaches, parks, festivals and beautiful golf courses. However, much like many states across this nation, the trend of crimes committed by juveniles (0-17) is an increasing problem. In fact, in 2019 the South Carolina Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (DJJ) published a report that ranked South Carolina ninth in the nation for the most juvenile arrests. Furthermore, “In 2019, 6% of male arrests and 8% of female arrests involved a person younger than age 18” (Youth and the Juvenile Justice System 2022 NATIONAL REPORT, pg.121).
When many think of the great state of South Carolina, they often think of its warm temperatures, white sand beaches, parks, festivals and beautiful golf courses. However, much like many states across this nation, the trend of crimes committed by juveniles (0-17) is an increasing problem. In fact, in 2019 the South Carolina Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (DJJ) published a report that ranked South Carolina ninth in the nation for the most juvenile arrests. Furthermore, “In 2019, 6% of male arrests and 8% of female arrests involved a person younger than age 18” (Youth and the Juvenile Justice System 2022 NATIONAL REPORT, pg.121).
This alarming trend could not only have long lasting effects on youth's futures, it could also have long lasting effects on South Carolina’s school systems (graduation rates), economy, residential and commercial growth and much more. Unfortunately, there is numerous research that highlights the negative effects crimes have on communities. Sadly, Northeast Columbia, South Carolina, is no exception to the negative effects as that side of town is heavily affected and impacted by increased juvenile crime rates. According to Diana Raab, author of Boredom, Violence and Passion, increased juvenile crime rates can be linked to boredom. In addition, “a recent study by Biolocati et al. (2018) investigated the relationship between teens being bored and the chance of risk-taking or extreme behaviors and found that those who were bored took more risks” (Raab, 2018). Thus, if boredom is at the core of the increased juvenile crime rates, then there must be a focus to address that issue.
This alarming trend could not only have long lasting effects on youth's futures, it could also have long lasting effects on South Carolina’s school systems (graduation rates), economy, residential and commercial growth and much more. Unfortunately, there is numerous research that highlights the negative effects crimes have on communities. Sadly, Northeast Columbia, South Carolina, is no exception to the negative effects as that side of town is heavily affected and impacted by increased juvenile crime rates. According to Diana Raab, author of Boredom, Violence and Passion, increased juvenile crime rates can be linked to boredom. In addition, “a recent study by Biolocati et al. (2018) investigated the relationship between teens being bored and the chance of risk-taking or extreme behaviors and found that those who were bored took more risks” (Raab, 2018). Thus, if boredom is at the core of the increased juvenile crime rates, then there must be a focus to address that issue.
After conducting interviews and attending various community meetings within Northeast Columbia communities, there is one consistent topic of conversation that continues to arise, “these kids are bored.” Unfortunately, unlike most other major cities, Northeast Columbia provides limited to no resources designated and/or geared towards minimizing boredom by engaging youth in activities of interest to them within a safe space.
After conducting interviews and attending various community meetings within Northeast Columbia communities, there is one consistent topic of conversation that continues to arise, “these kids are bored.” Unfortunately, unlike most other major cities, Northeast Columbia provides limited to no resources designated and/or geared towards minimizing boredom by engaging youth in activities of interest to them within a safe space.
What is the Mission?
What is the Mission?
The mission of The 180 Community Center is to collaborate with the community to provide opportunities for youth (0-17) to discover and develop their interests and talents by providing a wide range of services within a safe, supervised environment.
What is the Vision?
What is the Vision?
The vision of The 180 Community Center is to help decrease the juvenile crime rate in Columbia, South Carolina, while providing services to ensure youth (0-17) reach their full potential.
Determination Letter