MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- Today's youth are tomorrow's future. Many adults realize this, but figure that there is nothing that they, as individuals, can do to make a difference in the life of one of the many youth who are walking down the wrong path.
In reality, it is just one person who can possibly take one of these youths under his or her wing, and show a little compassion, setting youths on the right path to success.
The Breakthroughs for Youth at Risk program is on a mission. It needs to recruit 70 volunteers who are willing to dedicate their time to wayward youth for a period of approximately 10 months. The at-risk teenagers attend Castle, Kailua, Kalaheo and Olomana High Schools on the Windward side of Oahu.
Currently, the Breakthroughs for Youth at Risk program is comprised of volunteers from all walks of life in the local community, who dedicate their time to change the lives of at-risk children. The program consists of several parts.
First, "Intensive Care" is provided to youths eight to 10 hours per day in a guided group discussion designed to alter their attitudes and core beliefs about themselves, others and life itself.
Next, a "Ropes Course" aids developing a life distinctly different from the troubled past.
Finally, youth follow through in an "Aftercare Program."
In the Aftercare Program, youth are paired with mentors for approximately 10 months. They meet and discuss their progress in reaching the goals that they had set in intensive care.
"I got hooked on Breakthroughs for Youth at Risk when I watched a girl go from Fs to Bs and As," said Sharon Lester, a veteran mentor; "she also managed to graduate on time while she worked 32 hours a week."
Breakthroughs for Youth at Risk will be visiting Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, in March, and is looking for volunteers to mentor these high school students. Adults are encouraged to be a part of the solution as these youth strive to become responsible, productive members of our community.
For more information or to volunteer to make a difference in the lives of these youth, contact Joan Villanueva at 486-7185, Sharon Lester at 235-2547, or Breakthroughs for Youth at Risk at 671-7988.