PUSHING THE STONE UPHILL
THESE PEOPLE DESERVE A HAND
Unlike exemplary well publicized programs such as the Peace Corps, Teach America and USA Harvest, the following examples highlight three obscure worthy and cost-effective programs. They represent three categories in the private nonprofit sector; group programs, school programs and individual effort.
Group Programs
Turn On To Teens is an exciting, innovative program using computer communications to address the problems of troubled or "at risk" teens. TOTT is an all-volunteer program, with no paid staff and no governmental funding-all services are free to the community. Operating costs are met through business contributions, small grants and individual donations from the public. The biggest contributor is the founder who has a $25,000/yr 40 hr/wk job and donates 50 hrs of volunteer labor a week as well as footing the bill for incidentals as they arise.
Established in 1986 as a private, non-profit organization, TOTT provides a strictly supervised program for youths who are troubled, "at risk", or limited in their outside contacts due to living situation, handicaps, shyness or other difficulties. Participants use a computer bulletin board to exchange messages on serious subjects such as child abuse, substance abuse, victim impact and lighter subjects such as sports and jokes. A young girl with epilepsy may share how hurt she feels when people laugh at her; a victim may talk about how his/her family has been affected by crime; a teen mother may warn other girls about the difficulties of being a parent; a boy may write about his brush with death as a result of drug use; or a stutterer may gain self esteem as he communicates without being hindered by his handicap. One participant remarked, "The computer doesn't see what kind of clothes you wear or what color you are. Éit's easier to open up when you don't feel you have to cop an attitude to be accepted."
Individuals of all ages in the community and around the nation can be cleared into the system and can become part of an electronic community. In addition, carefully selected youth at Fresno County Juvenile Hall are able to participate under the supervision of trained TOTT volunteers.
You may contact the organization directly at 209-291-4842 or write TOTT 3999 N. Chestnut #272 Fresno, CA 93726.
School Programs
The second example is the pilot project of the Singer Foundation's White Hats program for schools. In June, 1993, students at Harrisburg High School renovated a substantial portion of a community park, tutored "at-risk" elementary children and then treated them to a fun-filled afternoon at the newly renovated park. The students helped the Park District and the Park District donated a shelter for the group's picnic. Over a dozen local businesses and civic clubs got involved through donations to make the Attend and Win picnic, sponsored by the White Hats , a success. Attend and Win is a program which focuses on K-6 grade students. It's sole purpose is to reduce the dropout rate. The Harrisburg White Hats intends to continue its relationship with Attend and Win. In fact a local newspaper article stated that the goal is to have a high school freshman act as "a buddy to an at risk child and continue to interact with that same child...for four years."
Pam Bramlett, an energetic Illinois high school teacher, started out assuming her kids would need material incentives to take on a community service project. (We think the creators of the new National & Community Service Trust Act erroneously assume the same thing!) Mrs. Bramlett told us that over time her class discovered that no material reward can compare to the feeling that comes from knowing one is making a positive difference in the lives' of others. (Additional information available.)
Individual Effort
Dr. Holmes Morton dreamt of establishing a clinic to treat Amish children who suffer from a unique debilitating and often fatal disease. With the Amish donating land and labor, the biggest expense was medical equipment costing less than $100,000. When he ran into difficulty funding his project, this middle-aged country doctor with a wife and 3 children, was willing to take out a second mortgage on his own home. The Clinic is now a reality. Dr. Morton was the catalyst and the community rallied. Each year funds are raised via a special auction. ( For more information contact The Clinic for Special Children(535 Bunker Hill Rd. Strasburg, PA 17579 717-687-9338)
