FRANKLIN—Concerned about at-risk youth of the Franklin area, a group of Franklin and Southampton young adults have formed a group that is named “Signatures…Franklin Teen Youth Center.”

Quanisha Murphy, the group’s founder, said she became aware of youth problems while a student at FHS. She attempted to explore her ideas then, but was not able to make any headway. Murphy discovered years later after graduating from Franklin High School that some of her friends had the same idea.

“All of us as members of the group were at-risk,” said Henry Scott. “I was at-risk and was derailed from the straight path and I was incarcerated.

“My father was away and my mother had to raise me and with her working, I was 100 percent at-risk and took the wrong path.”

His statement was also shared by other members of the group, and this is what brought them together.

Murphy added that the organization will work with the Franklin Department of Parks and Recreation and other community youth organizations. They’ll develop programs that address at-risk and overall youth. The goal is to ensure a positive and motivating environment for teenagers in and around Franklin.

On Saturday, April 19, the group is planning for its first event, “Youth Day.” This will be at the Hayden Sports Complex on Oak Street. They are planning for a day of food and activities as sack races, corn hole, face painting and music. More details on the event will be publicized at a later date.

The group is seeking all support from the community. They are also stating, that if the city government and every local organization, business, church, and community league donate a portion of their time and profits to this dream it would become a reality.

Murphy can be contacted at 641-8508.