ACU student honored for work with Abilene teens

Some college students choose their part-time jobs because the hours are flexible, the pay is good or it will look good on their resumé. One Abilene Christian University student, however, has chosen a job most would overlook, working to improve one of Abilene's poorer communities.

Justin Whitely, senior applied studies major from Abilene, was recently honored at the I-CAN Heroes Luncheon for his work as recreation leader at G.V. Daniels Community Center.

"I don't know what motivates Justin to do what he does, but I believe that he has answered a call from God," said Dr. Tanya Brice, director of the graduate social work program at ACU, and keynote speaker at the luncheon. "He went into a community that many Abilenians have written off, and learned from the community."

Many of the plans he has put into action in his role as recreation leader came from a conference he attended to learn about community-building ideas being used in other cities, according to Whitely.

One such idea, the creation of the Carver Youth Council, allows youth from the Carver community to brainstorm and work together on service projects to improve their own neighborhood. They have already conducted several successful projects, including a senior citizen's prom.

"Justin, with an open mind and heart, embraced these children that society deems as unredeemable and bad," said Brice.

At the luncheon, Whitely was presented with a group photo of the members of the Carver Youth Council, signed by all the members, as well as a proclamation from the city, given by City Councilman Sam Chase, speaking on behalf of Mayor Norm Archibald.

"This hero award is befitting of such a soul as Justin," said Brice. 'He is a quiet man with a deep soul. He lets his works speak for him. Let us learn a great deal from this young man."

The goal of I-CAN, or Improving Carver Area Neighborhood organization, is to better the quality of life and availability of affordable housing for its area.

If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.