Key West Police Chief Donie Lee this week presented Reverend Antonio Magwood, pastor of the Bethel A.M.E. Church with a check for $500 in support of the church’s Success Through Empowerment Program. The money comes from the Key West Police Department’s forfeiture fund.

The STEP program partners the church with the Department of Juvenile Justice to empower kids and help them make positive decisions and improve life skills. The program provides testimonies and insight from the community, explaining to juveniles their rights and teaching them about the consequences of crime. STEP teaches at-risk kids about health education, effective communication and the power to overcome substance abuse.

“It’s vital that we, as a community, reach out to our at-risk youth,” said Chief Lee. “It’s important to help them make informed decision and help them learn from community leaders.”