ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A local church member is leading a fundraising effort to create a dedicated youth space at Momentum Church of Albany, selling homemade food plates to raise money for the project.

Jalisa Burns, a church member, organized the fundraiser after the church moved to a new building in April that lacked adequate space for younger members.

“We’re fundraising for, like, upbuilding of our own youth department, you know, to keep our pastors and our youth, you know, elevated and stuff,” Burns said. “Because as you look around on TV, all you see is killing and it’s young youth that’s getting killed. So we’re trying to promote our church and bring in more souls, especially the young kids.”

Burns said the initiative is personal for her as a mother of a 14-year-old.

“It made me feel good, made me feel good because I have a 14-year-old myself. And, you know, I wouldn’t want to get a phone call and say, ‘Oh, you know, he’s, you know, deceased,’” she said. “You know, so we’re trying to help our youth out any time we can.”

Clifton Williams, who prepares the food for the fundraiser, said helping the community aligns with his purpose.

“Oh, it’s a joy. It’s a — It’s a real joy. It means giving back to the community,” Williams said. “We got a church called ‘Momentum.’ We give back instead of receiving. We give back to y’all. So that something that God told me to do. That’s something I love doing. I love to cook. I love to provide for other folk. So, if He allow me to keep going, then [that’s] what I’m gonna do.”

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