Who Is At Risk?

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WHO IS AT RISK?

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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

Who Is At Risk?

At-risk youth are defined as youth and teens who are alienated and vulnerable young people in danger of poor outcomes. They may have disengaged from education and training, will be misusing drugs and
alcohol, engaging in anti-social behavior and criminal activity.

Lacking self-esteem, aspiration and motivation, they see their futures as pre-destined to be ones of hopelessness, unemployment and possibly crime.

If a teen is experiencing more than four of the following warning signs, they could be at risk:

Has the child or teen ever been suspended, expelled, been truant, or had their grades drop?

Is the child or teen verbally abusive?

Does the child or teen struggle with basic family rules and expectations?

Has the child or teen had problems with the law?

Does the parent have to pick their words carefully when speaking to the child or teen, so as not to elicit a verbal attack or even rage from them?

Is the child or teen in danger of dropping out of high school?

Does the child or teen associate with a suspect peer group?

Has the child or teen lost interest in former productive activities, sports, hobbies, or childhood friends?

Does the child or teen seem depressed / withdrawn?

Does the child or teen ever display violent behavior?

Is the child or teen sexually promiscuous?

Has the child or teen’s appearance or personal hygiene changed?

Has the child or teen been caught stealing money or personal items from their family?

Is thechild or teen severely lacking in motivation?

Does the child or teen display outbursts of temper?

Does the child or teen lack self-worth and self-esteem?

Does thechild or teen defy established rules regardless of the consequences?

When trying to deal with the child or teen, do the parents feel powerless?

Does the child or teen have a problem with authority?

Do the parents suspect the child or teen is experimenting with drugs or alcohol?

How Can I Help?

What are we doing to help?

Torch of Life believes in investing in the early years to put children on track for success. Children that are encouraged to explore, recognize, and develop their talents, are more likely to mature in a more positive manner. Encouragement and guidance in adolescence moves youth towards productive adulthood.

Torch of life has developed programs that will assist at-risk youth and their families in ways that will benefit them spiritually, mentally and physically.

In 2009 we opened the Youth Connection Program. This program assists at-risk youth in several ways. Torch of Life accepts requests for assistance for at-risk youth from other organizations and agencies in the community. We then screen these requests and assist filling the need in ways to encourage and expand personal talents. The program expects participation by the youth within the community by performing community service projects in an effort to improve their social and decision-making skills, to learn leadership, and to be involved with character-building experiences.

In 2010 we will be introducing the Age Out program. The Age-Out Program is developed to assist young adults with transitional assistance. This assistance can be provided in the form of practical life training classes, occupational training, financial support, counseling, mentoring, or both.

Our goal is to assist at-risk youth to acquire the skills and the tools necessary to function and live independently, including the ability to maintain employment while holding them accountable