[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 61 (Monday, April 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                TRIBUTE TO NASHVILLE'S YOUTH HOBBY SHOP

 Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I commend the work of two 
Nashvillians whose efforts to help inner-city children have often gone 
unrecognized--Glenn and Tara McLain. As directors for the Lindsley 
location of Nashville's Youth Hobby Shop, Glenn and Tara McLain have 
worked to provide a positive role model and change the lives of inner-
city youth, one by one.
  In an area where violence and poverty prevent children from achieving 
their dreams, the McLains have tutored more than 100 children each week 
in the Youth Hobby Shop and have worked to keep the kids off of drugs. 
In addition, they serve as counselors and friends for many of the 
children and teenagers who participate in the many activities at the 
Lindsley hobby shop location. As a result, many of these people 
involved in Youth Hobby Shop stay in school, enter college, or join the 
work force. Mr. President, this program is changing the lives of our 
young Americans, and in turn, is helping to change the direction of 
this country toward a more independent, self-sufficient, and productive 
society.
  When it was founded more than 36 years ago, the Youth Hobby Shop used 
hobbies and crafts to help children in Nashville who could not help 
themselves--those who had no one to come home to after school or needed 
alternatives to the dangerous streets. As the needs of inner-city 
children have changed, so has the program. Now Youth Hobby Shop 
provides tutoring in a variety of subjects, as well as drug prevention 
programs, parenting classes, field trips, summer camps, and a first-
rate basketball league to keep the children off the street and guide 
them toward productive futures.
  A recent survey of residents living within a mile radius of both 
Youth Hobby Shop locations found that 79 percent of the households knew 
of the hobby shop's programs and spoke highly of them. The survey also 
suggested areas in which the program could expand, including adding job 
training and a neighborhood child care service.
  Volunteerism is a key to the great success of this program. Most of 
the hobby shop's funding comes from donations from individuals, 
corporations, and churches--and Glenn and Tara McLain have not only won 
the support of children in the Lindsley Avenue neighborhood, but they 
have attracted the support of more than 75 university students and 
adults who volunteer regularly to help the kids improve their reading 
skills. At the beginning and end of each school year, the children's 
reading skills are tested to measure their progress.
  Glenn and Tara McLain have dedicated their lives to helping inner-
city children, and for that, Mr. President, I want to thank them. The 
success of their hard work and dedication is immeasurable and their 
impact on the city of Nashville is invaluable.


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