We'll be leaving for a Restorative Justice meeting in Knoxville in a few minutes. Some of you may not know that Hope for Healing.Org serves as a worksite for kids who need to perform court-ordered community service hours. This gives us a chance to make a difference in the lives of kids whom we'd never get the chance to meet otherwise. It also gives them the chance to give back to the community something that they've taken away.
When it works, it works well.
The startling issue for us the stunning realization that every kid we've worked with has shared stories with us of being impacted by domestic violence. If not at home, then with a boyfriend.
We hope to model better behavior than what they are used to and teach the kids that they are valued. The results can be dramatic.
The probation officer of at least one teen has noticed a change in her charge since she's been coming to us. So far, all of the kids except one have gone on to become volunteers in our program after the court ordered community service was completed.
For now, I'm off to the meeting to learn how other sites are reaching the kids they are sent.
We'll see ya online,
Gayle
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