We don't all have a long time here, and we don't all have a little. I would like to think that I will leave a legacy when I pass, but who's to say I can or cannot. I am sixteen years old and for all I know, I have years ahead of me (God's will). During this time I want to make a difference in my community and in the hearts of those who have chosen the wrong path.

         

          People have the mentality of "Get It Done Now" and "Live in the Moment,", and these thoughts bring upon the disposition of "It's Too Late". By my faith, I can see that in God, you are never too late. I also know that nothing is impossible. This being said here is the outline for the task that I need for you to help me accomplish:

         

          There are young people right now at this second, behind bars. Yes, there is a reason why they are there. "But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, 'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.'" (John 8:7 NIV). I believe that I can get through to them, and help them to repent, just by the simple gesture of providing necessities that they normally would go without.

         

         In the YGC (Youth Guidance Center) in Southern California, there are kids who come off the streets and are leave their homes in order to come to this rehabilitation/incarceration center. They are alone, scared and have no where to turn. The juvenile system does work: a 1996 Florida study found that youth transferred to adult prisons had approximately a 30% higher recidivism rate than youth who stayed in the juvenile system. Although this is true there are alarming teenage crime rates in recent years.

  •  41% of all residential burglary charges filed in 2008 were committed by juveniles -- up from 28% in 2007.

  • 21% of all Residential Entry charges filed in 2008 were committed by juveniles - up from 17% in 2007.

  • 19% of all Theft charges and 33% of all Receiving Stolen Property charges filed in 2008 were committed by juveniles - down from 27% (Theft) and up from 11% (Receiving) in 2007. .

  • 58% of all Criminal Conversion charges filed in 2008 were committed by juveniles.

  •  8% of all Child molesting charges filed in 2008 were committed by juveniles.

  •  45% of all Illegal possession or consumption of alcohol charges filed in 2008 were committed by juveniles.

  •  11% of all Marijuana Possession charges filed in 2008 were committed by juveniles.

  •  3% of all Possession of Cocaine/Narcotics charges filed in 2008 were committed by juveniles.

  •  7% of all Dealing in Drugs/Narcotics (Misdemeanor charges) filed in 2008 were committed by juveniles.

  •  24% of all Criminal Mischief charges filed in 2008 were committed by juveniles

  •  5% of all Resisting Law Enforcement charges filed in 2008 were committed by juveniles.

         I find it so amazing, that by the grace of God, I escaped being incarcerated myself. I also find all of the information that I found out through this experience to be depressing. I was able to see incarcerated youth myself and the words that they expressed had pierced my heart. They told us that they no longer recieved letters from their friends. They no longer recieved calls from family. There were no visits that were made to them. They were emotionless. They told us that they were afraid to leave juvenile hall because they had no place in the outside world.

They were wrong. There is a place for everyone, and forgiveness is the first way to show that. These young teens do not have anyone, anything, and not a home in the world. All that they know are the cement walls, the hard stone floors and the thin matresses, which is the only place they can find an ounce of comfort.

 

          Heartbroken, I decided that I wanted to do something. I spoke with the Director of Operations and she was so excited that someone wanted to take an interest in the cause that many find to be hopeless. Here is a philosophy, the smallest bit of faith can move mountains. With my faith and with my hope I will move mountains.

         

          Now, donating 5 dollars can make a huge difference in someones life. We will be donating, new only, mainly hygiene items, including: travel size shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant sticks. Also, athletic socks (white only), bibles, AA Big Blue Books, used books (the classics), and simple board games.  On all of these we will be putting bible verses, inspirational messages and just simple words of kindness to those who rarely recieve it.