Dear Friends,
I loved summertime when I was a kid — waking up late to the sun streaming through my window, no homework waiting for me at the end of the day, licking melted ice cream as it dripped down my cone, and lots of free time to spend outside. Summer’s surge of freedom can be sweet for a lot of kids, but it also opens them up to more risks–especially if there is a lack of accountability and care at home. Young people immediately transition from spending their entire day challenged in school to potentially having full control of their schedules. This can increase their risk of being lured into gang activity, becoming victims of trafficking, or experimenting with dangerous behaviors like drug use.
Our Safe Youth Projects and Teen Centers serve as a place of refuge and activity for youth throughout the summer break. Young people can use the computers, enjoy a hot meal, hang out in a safe environment, and even go on field trips. They receive the fun and semi-unstructured time young people need without the risks of the unsafe environment provided in the streets.
We’re dedicated to adapting our programs to our young people’s specific needs, giving them opportunities to grow and thrive. The challenges and dangers facing underprivileged youth don’t take breaks, and neither do we.
Sincerely,
Judith Dittman
CEO, Second Story