Troubled Teens Resources

One of the most effective form of teen crisis intervention is that undertaken by individual celebrity athletes. The ones that take the time to visit and speak with the troubled teens who look up to them. In many cases athletes can raise money for programs for troubled teens that otherwise would have to scramble and fight for every thin dime.

Such is the case where a community program was saved via community efforts and the blessing of some football greats.

“Former San Francisco 49er Randy Kirk brought smiles to young faces and a $10,000 check to the El Toro Youth Center.

“Work hard, always do your best, and you’ll be able to achieve your dreams,” Kirk told a group of more than 30 children last week.

The Oct. 18 visit was great news for a program bouncing back from the brink of bankruptcy last June.

The staff breathed a sigh of relief as efforts to raise $100,000 came closer to a happy ending, with $93,000 raised so far, according to Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate, one of the community leaders working to save the center for at-risk youth in the community.”

Teen programs depend heavily on the generosity of the community and often flounder and fail for lack of funds. When that happens, the entire community suffers.

“The center has been a resource for low-income…families for about 20 years, providing after-school and summer programs for needy children and parents. Many low-income and single-parent families rely on El Toro for childcare and academic support. The center also serves as a hub of information on other social services available to low-income as well as immigrant families.”
(source)