A group of volunteers are fighting a war on their home turf: the war on poverty. Their weapons: literacy programs, tutoring, nutrition and wellness programs, drug and alcohol prevention, and child care services.

"I always see kids in trouble," said Michael Patterson, founder of Franklin County Youth Center. "We're trying to change that."

The nonprofit organization was founded in 2004, but there was a lapse in programs because of low volunteer turnout, said Debra Leonard, one of the center's volunteers.

Patterson is trying to rebuild the nonprofit's foundation. After many sleepless nights of Internet research, he stumbled across AmeriCorps' VISTA, a national service program founded in 1965 by President Lyndon Johnson to fight poverty throughout the country.

By partnering with AmeriCorps earlier this year, the Youth Center's volunteers became VISTA volunteers, serving full-time, year-long commitments to nonprofits and working to decrease poverty through various outlets.

"We're the Peace Corps on a community level," said Leonard.

The volunteers were trained by AmeriCorps and are paid a living allowance for their service. For full program offerings, however, they'll need more volunteers on board.

"We're looking for willing-and-able volunteers," said Tammy Hooker. "We can always use them in something."

But before the Youth Center can offer all the programs Patterson envisions, the building has to be renovated. Previously located on South Main Street in Rocky Mount, the offices were moved to a larger facility on Virginia 40.

But the new building, said Leonard, is not up to code for child care or child services. They're applying for grants and fielding donations from local businesses to upgrade the electrical wiring and other code violations.

"Until renovations are complete, we can't bring a child in," she said.

Leonard said they hope to be up to code and ready to offer child care later this year.

The long-term plan, however, is to build a large facility close to Rocky Mount that can offer more services and be staffed by more volunteers. Patterson said a project of its magnitude will cost around $3 to 4 million.

He dreams of establishing in the rural areas of the county reading and learning centers with Internet access available to families who can't travel into Rocky Mount for services.

But before any dreams can come true, Patterson said the Center needs community and government support through monetary or supply donations and volunteers.

"Although we haven't received so much support from the local government, we have had a very positive response from local businesses as far as donations and support," said Rebecca Goransson. "Almost everyone we've talked to has had a very positive outlook on what we're trying to do here."

For more information or to volunteer, call (540) 483-8008 or e-mail fcyouthcenter@yahoo.com. Mail donations to: Franklin County Youth Center, P.O. Box 481, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.