Changing teens' lives 1 song at a time

(FOX Providence) - A change is on the way at the top of a local organization that helps teens chase their dreams. But the focus is expected to be the same for 3rd Eye Unlimited.

In this week’s Street Story, you will hear the beautiful voice of Marlena Johnson who went to the New Bedford non-profit to grace a disc with her inspiring sound. She hopes to advance her singing future with help from 3rd Eye.

But the sharp contrast is the dead ends that are opened up by staff members like college student Sheree Andrews.

“We do take kids off the streets,” Andrews tells us. “We do promote better lives.”

Her background hit fewer bumps than Ryan Fisher’s

“Where would I be without 3rd eye?” Fisher asks with a sigh. “Probably on the street, doing the wrong thing. Jail?”

It all started as a dream of co-founder and New Bedford native Ben Gilbarg who after 13 years is stepping down as Executive Director. He still is expecting the organization to grow and stresses that 3rd Eye has become more than a place to created music videos or produce local hip hop shows.

Andrews is fine tuning her ability to fundraise and Fisher is now inspired to own his business as he helps organize events for 3rd Eye. Both breathe the goal to empower, engage and lead.

“We need everybody’s help in the community to grow strong,” Fisher tells us. “It’s been strong for 13 years already, so.”

“I want to help my community,” Andrews adds. “I want to grow stronger. I want to help grow stronger communities.”

When 3rd Eye opened back in 98, about 20 kids were involved. At last check, the New Bedford movement reaches out to about 500 kids a year.