Teenagers are often misunderstood, misjudged, or just plain ignored by much of society. During these years, they are going through important life changes, physically and emotionally, and finding their identity and place in the world. Directing them to making right choices, listening to their ideas, and giving them a purpose are guiding lights through a difficult time in life and also help secure a bright future.
There has been a growing number of middle school teens coming to use our services at the PODER After School Program. In November, we gave them a challenge: who can collect the most cans to donate to our Neighbors Helping Neighbors Holiday Food Drive. We explained to the teenagers that the collected food items will be given to neighbors in the Allen Woods Homes who are either homebound or in great need of food this winter. At first they didn't seem interested, but once we encourage a healthy competition between the boys and girls and emphasized their impact on the community, they began to get more excited. Michael, the Kid's Cafe Monitor, took a group of boys and Maria, the Service Coordinator for Allen Woods Homes, took a group of girls and both groups went out into the neighborhood. In about half an hour, the two groups came back with bags of canned foods! Combined, the teens collected over 70 cans and about 20 stuffed animals! They were so proud of themselves and all of their self-esteem rose dramatically. Whatever tension they had amongst each other that day melted away and everyone came away with smiles and lifted spirits.
