I get mixed feedback when I tell people what I do. Things like "Why do you want to work with 'those' kind of kids?" I say why not? It takes a certain type of person, to have passion for teaching, passion for art and creativity, and you have to really love kids, especially troubled teen agers. I can check yes to all the above. I have had many tell me they think I have found my calling. I don't know about that... but I do know, that in spite of having my time slot moved several times, and dealing with a lot of internal politics, I am NOT giving up on these kids or this program.
I need space for a reuse center. I want to provide a safe place for the kids to go "on the outs" as they call being outside of incarceration. A place that will help boost their self esteem, where they can work and earn some money and where they can connect with other artists to mentor them through their transitions. So many of these kids have nothing to go back to once they get out. With a 60% recidivism rate, the odds of rehabilitation are not in their favor. I think we need to spend more money on programs for these kids while they are still young and able to be rehabilitated, BEFORE they end up in prison. Programs like the one I am putting together, that connect them with mentors and positive role models. There is really nothing out there like it. I have the dream, the vision, the business plan, now I just need some money and the space to house it....
If anyone reading this knows of a space in Contra Costa County we could use for a while to house a very worthwhile program, please let me know....
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