HOME PRINCE AND PRINCESS CONTEST The Torch of Life wants to help all at-risk youth, but we can't do it alone. We need your help. 'The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' -Matthew 25:40
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Torch of Life is a not-for-profit organization designed to assist at-risk youth during difficult circumstances, to achieve as much normalcy in their lives as possible. This organization was co-founded by John and Shirley West in June of 2005. In 2003, the West’s began mentoring in the Indiana juvenile facilities. That same year they decided they needed to find a way to reach out to the youth with the hope of changing the directions of their lives before the youth were placed in a correctional facility. The West’s then became therapeutic foster parents in the state of Indiana. In five and a half years of fostering they had nearly fifty teenage boys in their home. Some of those boys were long-term and some were short-time. These children came from all different situations, but some things they had in common were: low self-esteem, social issues, poor school performance, issues with boundaries, and a need for improved life skills. The West’s found that each child was unique in what motivated them, but most did well with guidance, exposure to social interaction, and opportunities to excel. |
At-risk youth benefit greatly through their involvement in the programs. They are given opportunities that will promote positive peer relationships. We encourage activities that help them to identify and build on their individual strengths. They learn to practice healthy behaviors and take on leadership roles; all of this builds self confidence and an appreciation of self and community.
Schools, churches, foster parents, and numerous youth organizations open their lives to children in need of assistance; a task that can be both difficult and rewarding. The willingness to help is often available, but the funds are not. This is where Torch of Life fits in. During their work with adolescents in juvenile prisons, probation, and the foster care system, it became clear to the West’s that these children needed much more than is offered through federal and state funding. Torch of Life programs were developed to assist at-risk children in obtaining goods and services they would normally not be able to afford. These programs were designed to help with the therapeutic needs of the children in mind. Many of these children have suffered some form of serious abuse or neglect. According to American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, about 30% of children in foster care have severe emotional, behavioral, and developmental problems, and many times all three. Physical health problems are also common. Most children, when placed in the proper surroundings, show remarkable resiliency and determination to go on with their lives. They need opportunities to experience life in ways that will build their self-confidence, and expand their minds and their futures. It is our vision to assist families and organizations in providing well-rounded physical, mental, and spiritual lives for at-risk youth.
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