CRIME CONTROL STARTS WITH KEEPING OUR KIDS OFF DRUGS

There has been a lot of media coverage in recent weeks about crime
in Jackson and the surrounding areas. These crimes are becoming
alarmingly more frequent and more violent.

While re-entry programs for those who have already been incarcerated
are helpful and important, our community would benefit even more
from opportunities for prevention and support for adolescents who
are headed down the wrong path, before they find themselves in a jail cell.

Some research has found that 60 percent of juvenile offenders also
are abusing drugs. Also, we know that adolescent drug use is related
to recurring delinquency and is the beginning of a cycle that
continues into adulthood. We also know that as many as 90 percent of
those adolescents in need of treatment have not received it. In
Jackson, this cycle does not have to continue.

Too many youth are struggling to succeed due to alcohol- and
drug-related problems. These same youth become the adults who live
and work in this community. It is paramount that we provide services
to these youth to help them have the chance to become successful citizens.

In a May 7 press release, the National Center on Addiction and
Substance Abuse at Columbia University suggested that we focus
efforts on adolescents since "a child who gets through age 21
without smoking, abusing alcohol or using illegal drugs is virtually
certain never to do so." This, in turn, improves our schools and
reduces the crime rates.

We have local resources such as Youth Town that are currently
working to help youth with substance addiction problems.

Youth Town was recently blessed by an anonymous couple who has
challenged the community to help impact the lives of youth for
generations. A $1 million matching grant has been offered to help
multiply the gifts that others send to Youth Town. For every dollar
that is given, this couple will match it up to a total of $1 million.

Youth Town has been working with troubled youth and their families
since 1962. Their Christ-centered programs offer hope and healing to
families and utilize experienced professional staff.

One of Youth Town's sayings is that no staff "will speak a negative
assumption about your ability to lead a positive life." This is the
center's commitment to a Christ-centered positive approach to helping youth.

Youth Town offers outpatient counseling, inpatient treatment and
specialized education programs to help youth. It also has a
26-element ropes course and trained facilitators who conduct
adventure-based groups with the youth on trust, problem-solving,
teamwork, communication and other life skills.

Churches, businesses, sports teams and other organizations can
schedule an adventure-based experience for the same purposes by
contacting Youth Town.

The center currently serves approximately 47 youth on any given day.
Matching this donation would allow it to serve more youth through
increased capacity by making capital improvements including
renovating existing buildings and adding additional classrooms to
George Thomas Jr. Academy, the on-campus school.

Youth Town also hopes to add teachers and new programming, such as a
possible equine therapy program. This type of program would utilize
horses for therapeutic purposes.

If you, your business, your church or your organization would like
to help Youth Town build its programs to reach more youth and
prevent crime before it starts, visit www.youthtown.org. You will
find information on all of the programs Youth Town offers, contact
information if you or someone you know needs help, and an option to
donate securely online.

These youth are our future. You can help make it a safe and positive one.

Youth Town is a community resource working behind the scenes while
others just talk about it.