Five Jacksonville Jaguars offensive linemen paid a visit to the Youth Crisis Center on Tuesday to spend some time with kids housed at the Center. The center's Residential Program provides shelter to troubled children ages 10 through 17, who are runaways, homeless or ejected from their homes. The offensive line unit lends its support to the YCC as part of the Jaguars Plays for a Purpose program.
Offensive tackles Mike Compton, Ephraim Salaam and Mo Williams were joined by guard Derrick Fletcher and center Brad Meester. The players enjoyed pizza with the youth housed at the center and even found time to shoot some basketball at the facility's courtyard. This marks the first visit by the offensive line/ tight end position group to the facility.
"We didn't know what to expect when we came out here. It was a real eye opener to see and hear what these kids have gone through," stated Brad Meester. "What the Youth Crisis Center is doing is tremendous, and we look forward to keep coming out here and lending them our support. They had pizza out here so whenever they have pizza, I'm here," he added.
"It's an organization that is designed to give kids who have been given up on a necessary second chance," said Derrick Fletcher. "These are good kids and they just need someone to be there for them when they need it," he adds.
The Youth Crisis Center has raised $8,000 as part of the Plays for a Purpose program. The organization raises funds through donations made by corporations and individuals based on the number of first downs the Jaguars make during the 2004 season.
