I started Teens At Work, Inc.  because I wanted to pass on to children and youth what others gave to me.  I believe that if youth are placed in a nurturing and caring environment with positive role models they could gain positive internal and external assets to be successful.

 

When I think back on who helped me along my life’s journey, I think of my high school coach who taught me leadership skills, my father who taught me how to tie a neck tie, my mother who taught me life principles and local businesspersons who believed in my potential and gave me the opportunity to be responsible and reach my life goals.

 

So, have you ever taken a moment to think about who taught you how to do the everyday tasks, things you do now without thinking about them?

Who taught you to tie your shoes?

Who taught you how to draw a picture?

Who taught you how to ride a bike?
Who taught you how to drive a car?

There are many things that we do in our lives that we couldn’t imagine doing without someone’s guidance. That‘s what Teens At Work, Inc. thrives to do with the youth.  As the founding executive director, I have a few simple things that guide me. For example my favorite life quote is “Don’t always go where a path may lead but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”.  My favorite book to read is the Holy Bible and favorite verse is “Great is thy faithfulness, O God my father; Morning by morning new mercies I see: all I have needed thy hands has provided, great is thy faithfulness.

I hope that of the thousands of children and teens that we have served, they will grow up to be successful and make a positive impact on their community, the United States and the World.

Marvin Wendell Bussey, M.S.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Don’t always go where a path may lead but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”.

our history

A NOTE FROM OUR Director

Program Time Line:

  • 1991 Established a camping and wilderness program for youth
  • 1992 Open its first Teen Center after school program
  • 1996 In collaboration with Hands on Atlanta, build a playground for the community
  • 1998 Build a Science educational playground for children
  • 1998 PC established “Standing Room Only Theater”
  • 1998 Opened a tutorial facility for 2nd and 3rd grade children
  • 1999 Opened the Learning Link after school program at Delowe Village Apartments
  • 2000 Open and launched a culinary Arts Program
  • 2002 Published Mentors Guide book
  • 2004 Opened a community recreational facility
  • 2013 Launched a youth Volunteer and Civic Engagement Program 

Since its inception the program has served thousands of children, many of whom have completed their education, launched successful careers and is making their own personal impact.

Our mission and vision is to be a resource and support program for youth. Our objective is to equip and empower our youth to be positive leaders at home, school and in the community.  The program strives to enhance the youth socially, emotionally, psychologically, physically and spiritually. The program incorporates life-skills training, social development, educational enrichment, values clarification and experiential challenges to impact on their lives. 

Dr. ML King stated “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve”.  It is a joy serving youth and appreciates parents for giving us the opportunity to help shape their children lives. For as much as we have done it unto the least of these youth we have done it unto him. 
Teens At Work, Inc was established 1991 as a 501© 3 non-profit organization. The founding executive director, Marvin W. Bussey, M.S, LPC, became aware of problems of area youth and the pressing need for prevention and intervention services needed to make a difference in their lives. 

Program Locations in the East Point/ Atlanta Area:

  • 1622 Ware Ave.
  • 1087 Cleveland Ave.
  • 2805 Harris St.                                 
  • 1367 Cleveland Ave.

The agency and Executive Director have been cited for community service throughout the years and have been recipients of many awards including:

 

  •  Hearts for Youth Award
  • Audrey Nelson Developmental Achievement Award
  •  Martin Luther King Service Award presented by Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health of the Goizueta Business School.
  • East Point Business award for community services
  •  Georgia State University-College of Education Alumni Award
  • Point University Alumni of the Year Award