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OPM celebrates groundbreaking
By Heather M. Goodwin, hgoodwin@acnpapers.com
Operation Peace of Mind (OPM), a local nonprofit, recently broke ground on its new facility, which will help it better serve the community.
OPM celebrated its groundbreaking ceremony Monday for its new headquarters to be located at 383 Perry St. in Old Town Lewisville. OPM provides children, teens, girls and senior citizens education and training on how to avoid becoming involved with crime or being victims of crime, while providing them with opportunities to develop safer, more vital communities. The new headquarters will allow for more space and classrooms. It is set to open in six months.
"OPM needed more space and wanted a building with classrooms. We were already located in Old Town, on Mill Street; therefore, we wanted to stay in this area because we enjoy being a part of Lewisville, and we are excited to be a part of the growth in this area," said Danese Griffith, interim executive director for OPM. "The building will be the new headquarters, with offices and classrooms. With available space, OPM will be able to offer more classes on leadership and crime prevention."
Going forward, Griffith said OPM plans to continue its work while waiting for its new headquarters.
"OPM will continue impacting the community with its leadership and crime prevention message," Griffith said. "OPM hopes to expand its client base to include more schools, day cares, after-school programs and churches."
OPM was founded in 2002 by Sunny and Alphonsine Ugochukwu; but Griffith said it has been actively involved in the Lewisville community since 2008.
"OPM focuses on leadership and crime prevention. Its programs combine education and action to reduce teen victimization and involve young people in service to their communities. The program develops self-esteem, leadership and citizenship skills by engaging young people in action to positively affect the circumstances of their lives," Griffith said. "OPM provides information that will motivate young people to take safety seriously and to make their communities better and safer."
Griffith said OPM's program is a means to address some of the issues that are most pressing for today's youth: handguns, gangs, conflict management, youth/police relationships, bullying, drugs, hate crimes and homeland security. OPM offers 30 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of community service time to its participants. Once all 50 hours are completed, the "graduates" are considered ambassadors for OPM. The ambassadors are able to apply for the organization's scholarships and can eventually teach classes.
Currently, 13 teenagers have completed the program. With the new headquarters, OPM hopes to reach more residents.
"OPM seeks to tap and focus people's energy, talent and enthusiasm so they can participate in their communities as responsible citizens. No matter how success is measured, studies show that young people are more likely to succeed if they have practical knowledge, cognitive and social skills, and meaningful opportunities in the community," Griffith said. "Youth may be exposed to factors that put them at risk and make it difficult for them to develop skills necessary for a productive, safe life. OPM recognizes the special needs that young people have today."
OPM currently offers programs all over the Metroplex, including Dallas ISD and Fort Worth ISD. Its program is free for schools and individuals.
For those interested in getting involved with the organization, Griffith said there are many volunteer opportunities available, from teaching classes to office work. For information call 972-221-7202 or email volunteer@opmnig.org.
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