Every Friday, teens and young adults come together, hang out and discuss whatever issues interest them. The third Friday of every month, Praise 718 hosts a big bash, where participants sing, dance, rap and recite poetry.
Praise 718 was started in December 2006 by the Rev. Curtis Norton and his wife, the Rev. Tina Norton, with the aim of enabling young adults to come together peacefully, express themselves freely and have a good time.
“We are passionate about helping out are young people,” Curtis Norton said. “If we don't take care of our young, we will be in trouble more in the future than we are now.”
“Your dreams don't have an expiration date,” he added.
The program is not confined to Queens; there are 12 other bishops around New York City and Long Island who participate.
Congressman Gregory Meeks and gospel singer Shari Addison both commended the Nortons on the program.
“At my age I am a new artist living their dream,” Addison said “I am a tangible witness that dreams come true.”
In 2007, Addison won second place at a gospel talent competition on Black Entertainment Television and is now living her dream as a gospel singer.
Curtis Norton is not a stranger to community service; his father was the pastor of his church, and his mother, Dr. Millicent Norton, founded the International Association of Free Women in Christ in 1985 and committed her life’s work to developing women’s ministries. Both his parents worked hard and left a legacy at Merrick Park Baptist Church.
Danette Cannon, 28, of South Jamaica often participates in Praise 718. She was laid off from a rubbish removal company where she worked as a marketing manager.
“This program allows me to have fellowship with other youths of the community, and you see that you are not the only one going through what you’re going through,” Cannon said.
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