You can make a difference with our youth. —————————————————————— Originally Published April 30, 2004 -- Your Wellness Guide Children Need Your Help To Succeed Today —————————————————————— A former gang member, Juan Jimenez decided in 1974 that he would devote his time to keeping Los Angeles kids off the street, out of gangs, and away from drugs.  He has since conducted workshops for kids and their parents on life-excelling topics, as well as parenting classes.  He stresses the importance and need for basic and higher education, accepting only the smiles and successes of the children he has helped. Most children, whether prone to gang and drug activity, other vices, or not, would benefit from the mentoring and teaching of someone like Juan Jimenez.  All children deserve the opportunity to live a balanced and fulfilled life, and you can help. Photo Courtesy: Volvo Juan Jimenez (center) was recognized as one of the top U.S. hometown heroes during this year’s Volvo For Life Awards (www.volvoforlifeawards.com) and is surrounded by the children and families whom he has helped stay out of gangs and drugs in the Los Angeles area. The National Crime Prevention Council (www.ncpc.org) is dedicated to dispelling myths about what we think about our youth and encourages adults to help children and teenagers live a better life.  Test your knowledge of today’s kids -- fact or fiction? Juveniles are the major cause of violence in the U.S..  ANSWER: FICTION.  The majority of violent crimes are committed by adults. Teenagers don’t want to help their communities. ANSWER: FICTION.  Six out of ten teenagers already volunteer, and nine out of ten wish they could make a difference with a service opportunity. There’s nothing you can do once a kid has gotten in trouble.  ANSWER: FICTION.  Dozens of successful programs and stories prove this isn’t true. Prevention programs really don’t work.  ANSWER: FICTION.  Programs do curb the conditions leading to crime, drugs, and gangs, as well as strengthen skills to succeed in life. Mona Gonzalez knows firsthand what a difference a conscientious parent or mentoring adult and some well-planned programs and activities can make in a child’s life.  So, she founded the Austin-based River City Youth Foundation (www.rivercityyouth.org) and continues to serve as the award-winning organization’s executive director.  She says the keys to keeping children and teenagers away from trouble is to create an environment that has three things:       1.  Acceptance       2.  Affirmation       3.  Security Contrary to what people think “it’s not about having money.  I have seen families that are very low income with children thriving out of that family,” says Gonzalez.  “It’s about that child feeling secure, which means there is at least one person in the family that will never abandon that child.  You give a sense of belonging in the family, are devoted to that child, and make the living environment (the home) secure.” Gonzalez says that some parents truly rise to the occasion, are communicative with and accessible to their children, give sufficient time, and are willing to make sacrifices.  She says that children feel affirmed when they are loved and validated. Debbie Mandel, author of  Turn on Your Inner Light, offers these tips for creating an accepting, affirming, and secure home environment and relationship with your children: Have a regular family dinner hour Implement frequent family outings and activities that allow you to bond and play Offer a spiritual focus in the home Teach children to turn negatives into positives Whether you have children or not, you can help at-risk youth in your area: Contact your local police department or state’s criminal justice division to inquire about programs for working with at-risk children and teens The Bureau of Justice Administration (www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA) has lists of volunteer, community initiatives  www.volunteermatch.com has additional info on programs available to help youth and families Terra Wellington is a national authority on creating a wellness lifestyle.  www.terrawellington.com  © Copyright Terra Wellington