Jaylan Brock Triumph Youth Center opens in Fremont

FREMONT - Jaylan Brock, who at the age of 14 was shot and killed last year, left a legacy of kindness and service at the local church he attended for more than a decade, which is now providing a safe and fun place for children and teens to spend their free time.

On Thursday, the Jaylan Brock Triumph Youth Center opened at the Triumph Church, 622 Franklin Ave. in Fremont, and was dedicated in his honor.

“I’m so happy that all the kids have a good, safe place to come gather, get a free meal, have some fun and have positive influence on each other,” said Tania Darby, Brock’s mother.

Darby is serving as a youth leader at Triumph Church, where her son was a beloved regular.

“We’re thankful for the time that Jaylan Brock was a part of Triumph Church,” said Mark Recny, a senior pastor at Triumph Church with his wife Viola.

For about 10 years, Brock attended. As he was growing up, Brock and his friend would often meet the Recnys and help them bring in boxes, books, decorations.

“Even when it was time to go home, sometimes they would just keep wanting to stay and that’s a good thing,” Recny said. “We appreciate all of Jaylan’s help.”

The Jaylan Brock Triumph Youth Center will concentrate on continuing that dedication to service. It will be open to youth age 8 to 18, beginning every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.

“It’s nice they have their own environment,” Recny said.

Along with foosball, ping pong, pool, a kitchen and cafe, there will be mentoring and teaching of life principles, like honor and respect, he said.

“Things that we sometimes forget about in life,” Recny said. “Also, helping them in school if they need help, little things we can do to encourage them along the way, as well as praying for them, encouraging them to become all that God would have them be.”

Angie Garza, a youth pastor at Triumph Church, remembers when Jaylan first starting coming to the church when at the time he had long braids.

“He was so cute,” Garza said. “I taught him all those years as his youth pastor. Anywhere he would see me, he’d hug me, he was never embarrassed. He was such a good kid. It’s wonderful that they’re doing this in his honor.”

Brock’s cousin, Elijah Starks, also 14, was charged with murder following the shooting, which occurred in Fremont on September 17, 2017, and has been in jail since the incident.

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