The mission of Our Place
has not changed, but we now invite ALL ages to Our Place. We have recently updated our name from Our Place Teen Center
to Our Place Youth and Family Center. We are here to provide the community with positive activities for the whole family
to enjoy! Our Place was created to fulfill its purpose of meeting the social and recreational needs
of local youth. The Youth Center's first-rate facility provides a safe environment for youth as well as family entertainment
in Monroe County's rural setting. Our Place has proven itself as a valuable community asset and greatly enriches the quality
of life. While not a profitable venture, the Youth Center provides a needed service of which local citizens are proudly supporting
to ensure its continued existence.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Crystal Sawyer Moody of Monroeville is the new director of Our Place Youth
and Family Center. Crystal is a native of Monroeville, and a graduate of Monroe Academy. She is also a graduate
of Auburn University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a focus on Adolescent Counseling. After
graduating from Auburn, Crystal moved to Birmingham for her first job and in the meantime married Patrick Moody of Alexander
City, Alabama. She and Patrick moved to Dothan for Patrick's first job out of law school, and then finally settled
in Monroeville in February of 2008. Patrick and Crystal have one child, Patrick "Bryan" Moody, Jr., age 2.
Crystal became the new director of Our Place in October 2008.
OUR HISTORY
Efforts to establish a place for a youth center in Monroe County began in the Spring of 1990 when a committee
of youth and adults formed to determine the needs of local youth. Monroeville was determined as the ideal location for the
youth center. After a series of public meetings with local citizens, the Monroeville City Council, Monroeville Planning Commission
and Monroe County Commission came forward with the initial support. The Center was deeded three acres of property. Meanwhile,
plans for the facility were finalized to erect a 6,000 sq. ft. metal building which includes a large multi-purpose room equipped
as a movie theater and a disco. The Center was completed in 1992. The youth center's name, Our Place, Inc., was selected
in a countywide contest publicized in the local newspaper, The Monroe Journal. Our Place, Inc. is a 501-c3 non-profit organization
and is largely supported by the community and local businesses. An adult advisory board, consisting of the board of directors,
meets monthly to oversee all aspects of the operations by the Youth Center manager and his/her staff.
Director Crystal Sawyer Moody and founder of Our Place Youth and Family Center, George
F. Landegger
