Reducing the Stress of Growing Up While Helping the Community

By Cara Ham

       Transitioning from middle school to high school is a daunting step
for every youth.  But for those who are under additional stress from family
and life challenges, this can be  an even more difficult step.  To help
counteract these growing pains, Youth In Need has implemented the Community
Youth Leaders (CYL) program.  This community-based program builds on the
strengths and assets of youth and works to positively influence their peers,
their families and  the community.   Located at the Project Youth Connect
North site, the program will serve 25 youth over the course of a year.

      Participants will take part in Community service projects, go on
numerous recreational and educational outings, work on public speaking
skills, take mini-trips and have access to peer tutors. Currently, the youth
are playing on YIN's basketball team through CHAMPS and they will
participate in other seasonal sporting activities this year.   CYL's program
is different from other programs because youth gain valuable skills to
become leaders in their home, school and community.

These skills are gained by involving the youth  in the following activities:

	* Direct involvement of Youth Leaders with other community organizations.

	* Structured after school activities, high risk prevention education and
activities, outreach and presentations to other community youth.

	* CYL's developing and presenting written strategies to community groups.

	* Exposure to African-American cultural activities.

	* CYL's advocacy efforts for victims of juvenile crime via written
recommendations and strategies.

	* Refer/Link project CL's with needed services, CYL's to distribute youth
resource referral cards to peers in the community.

     The Community Youth Leaders program stands out because of the
innovative strategies that are being used to link youth to the community in
a positive way.  For more information contact Debra Streeter at (314)
389-5899.