Teen Talk and Tacos tackles tough topics

Teen Talk and Tacos was held at the Warren County Juvenile Detention Center on Tuesday evening.

The invitation-only event featured teens in the community and community leaders discussing the problems facing today’s teenagers.

“We held it at the detention center because it didn’t cost us anything,” chuckled event organizer and detention center Administrator, Kathy Holden.

Teen Talk and Tacos moderator Kathy Holden. Photo by David Day

The packed room of 70 or so people included about 35 teenagers who were asked to anonymously submit a question on a piece of paper. Their questions were presented to the group and discussed by the teenagers and adults.

Some of the questions asked by the teens were:

“How do I get my mom to stop going to the casino?”

“How do I quit smoking?”

‘”How do I walk away from violence?”

The teenagers were given the opportunity to talk about the issues and the adults also offered a lot of advice. No one was held back from speaking their mind in the “No Judgement Zone!!”

Holden moderated the event after the teenagers gave an opening prayer, welcome and invocation. The tacos were served along with a drink to the packed room by a couple of the teenagers and eaten while continuing the discussion.

Teen Talk and Tacos

Kathy Holden has been at the Detention Center for 25 years working to change the lives of those under her care.

“We are here to rehabilitate these kids and help them to get their lives back on track,” said Holden.

Holden addresses the group as Larry Walker looks on. Photo by David Day