by Emily Luxen
MT. JULIET Tenn.- After a troubling recent string of teen suicides in Mt . Juliet, a non-profit organization is looking to reverse the trend.
Co-founder Tara Leurs said the news has taken a toll on the community, and something needed to be done.
"We started to ask ourselves, what was going on? Why was there hopelessness among these kids?"
Leurs determined area teens need more support and encouragement. She opened The Place on Lebanon Road. The large space features games, music, and resources for kids who may be hurting.
"We want them to know, no matter what their situation is, no matter how bad things may seem, there are places to go to get help," said Leurs.
Staff is limited, and all of the items inside the building have been donated. Leurs said the response has already been strong, and she hope the organization will continue to grow.
"The kids are excited to have something in their backyard to do. They don't have to go downtown to catch a concert."
Cory Huckaby, 20, was personally impacted when his good friend Jordan Turner took his own life in December of 2010. He said The Place could make a big difference in the community.
"It brings kids in, and allows them to open up and share their feelings. If they need help, they can get it."
Leurs said The Place will be starting suicide prevention classes for teens and adults, and with some more staff and donations hopes to be open each day as an after school hangout.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in Tennessee Youths ages 15-24. However, numbers have declined over the last five years.
'The Place' website
