POOF Teen Center History

                                         

Established in 2021 by Destiny Alexander, POOF is a testament to her extraordinary journey that defied societal norms and limitations. Destiny's story begins with her early days as a high school dropout and single mother. When her son's father was sentenced to 25 years in prison while she was eight months pregnant, Destiny realized the challenges her unborn son would face - being a black male with a father in prison, and the societal expectation that he would likely follow the same path. This realization became her driving force for change.

 

Despite facing numerous obstacles, Destiny took a courageous leap into entrepreneurship with a Photo Booth business. This venture eventually provided her with the means to fulfill her lifelong dream. Through unwavering commitment and perseverance, Destiny opened the POOF Teen Centers in Wellons Village, East Durham, the very neighborhood where she grew up.

 

The name POOF stems from the lesson she taught her son who embraced the values and teachings she shared, applying them diligently to his daily life.  As Destiny dedicated herself to her work, her son understood the significance of early planning for a successful future, guided by the morals and principles instilled by his mother. His transformative journey inspired the name POOF, symbolizing the essence of planning for one's future and preparing to  leave a lasting legacy as he grows older.

 

Motivated by her son's achievements she wants to give other teens the opportunity to shape their destinies from an early age. Over the past three years, Destiny has invested over $250,000 to sustain POOF's operations, offering a safe haven for teens in Durham. Her belief that "It takes a village to raise a child" resonates throughout POOF, embodying a culture of community, support

Destiny aims to expand teens  horizons and cultivate hope that when they graduate high school they will have a game plan.