With Inner City Youth Programs Indianapolis Creates Second Chances

By Kathleen Smith


It is a great tragedy that this modern world, with all its marvels and advanced technology, has only been to the benefit of the privileged. There is no more sense of community spirit. People no longer look after each other. It is all about oneself. It is selfish and greedy. In the cities, meanwhile, thousands of youngsters struggle for survival while nobody seems to care. Yet with their inner city youth programs Indianapolis organizations do actually make a difference.

The large scale breakup of the family unit is probably the primary cause of such a deluge of delinquent youths. Modern parents are busy, they have to deal with many pressures and they just do not have time to spend with their offspring. Thus they are left to their own devices, only to end up in the wrong company. A lot of organizations realize this fact and try to create environments where these vulnerable young people will get encouragement and even love.

Another reason why so many youngsters find themselves adrift is because they have no marketable skills. Many do not even finish school and their chances of finding employment are very small indeed. Some organizations focus on this aspect and they offer young people skills training that will help them build a future for themselves. They often even help them to find employment and they work in partnership with potential employers.

Serious behavioral problems are common amongst troubled youngsters. Rejection, anger, insecurity, abuse and low self esteem all eventually leave their ugly marks. Young people react by becoming violent, depressed, defiant and sometimes even suicidal. They need psychological help and many organizations offer counseling to these unfortunate youngster. They cannot move on until they have overcome their own problems. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to convince them that they need help.

A very large percentage of young people on the streets are addicted to substances. For many of them, this is the only escape they have from the harsh reality. There are some caring organizations that offer excellent rehabilitation programs, but it is often very difficult to convince young addicts that they need help. Sadly, the success rate is also very disappointing.

If one has nowhere to stay and very little to eat no motivational program will have a lasting effect. The issue is all about daily survival. But there are a few organizations and churches that offer homeless young people shelter and food. Once they are thus secured, their chances of succeeding in other programs are just so much higher. There are just a few shelters in each city, however.

It cannot be denied that there are many people and organizations trying to help young people get on their feet. They are too few, however, and they have extremely limited resources. They can only reach a fraction of the desperately needy youngsters roaming the streets. Society and the authorities should become more involved. Every young life wasted should be an accusation against society as a whole.

Ignoring the fact that there are so many troubled youngster in the cities will most certainly come back to haunt society as a whole. It is the young people that will take charge eventually. If they are not equipped to do so, calamity awaits. Besides, everyone deserves a chance.




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