Those who attended this morning’s Can Do! meeting spent an informative hour and one-half learning what is meant by the term “at-risk youth,” the challenge of meeting the unique needs of this population and the programs that have been established to address that challenge. Can Do! board member B. J. Behnke, assisted by fellow board member John Bailey, facilitated an interesting discussion among the six panel participants who provided us with insights drawn from their years of working with these young people. The panel members were:
Panel Member | Organization/Position |
---|---|
Panel Member | Organization/Position |
Bill Barnes | Charlotte High School Principal |
Bill Callahan | Charlotte Chief of Police |
Eric Emery | Relevant Academy |
Becky Carson | Barry/Eaton CASA Executive Director |
Bill Luxmore | Relevant Academy |
Rosemary Anderson | Eaton County Youth Facility |
Panel members offered the following suggestions for how community members could assist at-risk youth on their journey to becoming productive adult citizens:
- Provide support for at-risk youth within programs that are already in place
- Look for opportunities to mentor at-risk youth
- Support law enforcement programs that work pro-actively to address the needs of these young people
- Teach at-risk youth “real life 101”
- Volunteer to work with youth; give them attention within one’s circle of influence
- Provide financial support for programs that address their needs
- Don’t miss the chance to do the little things, including showing signs of appreciation
- Hire at-risk youth to work in one’s business
- Involve them in community service.