Jamestown Teens Feed Dozens Through Youth Service Program

When Jayden Walters handed out his first meal to someone experiencing hunger in Jamestown, New York, the eighth-grader felt something shift inside him. "It's humbling," he said after just three weeks in the Sagewell Accountability and Responsibility program.

On Tuesday evening, Jayden joined other young people from the A&R program to serve hot meals near the former Oriental Star Restaurant on South Main Street. The youth-led initiative brought together middle schoolers and program staff to tackle food insecurity in their community.

Program supervisor Holly Deperna wasn't prepared for what she witnessed. "I'm kind of caught off guard at the number of people who've shown up here for food," she said, watching the steady stream of neighbors arriving for meals.

Billy Torres, an A&R staff member, emphasized that the teens are leading the charge themselves. "This is a youth-run, but adult and staff supervised event," he explained, watching his students serve their community with growing confidence.

The program operates as an after-school intervention through G.A. Family Services, part of Sagewell, a nonprofit formerly known as Lutheran Social Services. The organization recently rebranded to help families better understand their services, which range from foster care support to assisted living.

Why This Inspires

Kirra B., another A&R participant who's also training as a student pilot through the Jamestown Airport Program, summed up the motivation perfectly: "People really need help in our town." Torres calls both Kirra and Jayden natural leaders who've embraced service as a pathway to personal growth.

The A&R program combines behavioral accountability with skill-building in a safe space outside school hours. But the real transformation happens when young people discover their power to make a difference right where they live.

Three weeks changed how Jayden sees his community. Imagine what these teens will accomplish next.