It has been said that Love, Work, and Service to Community are the components of a good life. We need new definitions of success and wealth. Success could be construed as helping others and wealth could stand for meaningful work.

Without meaning there is no hope; only despair. Hope is the cure for cynicism. Work cures depression and gets rid of feelings of worthlessness. Help someone else and help yourself. It happens even when not intended.

As members of the truly Volunteer Corps, even cynical adolescents soon learn that they can make a difference; that they matter; that they can provide food and companionship to sad and forgotten people.

Volunteer Corps members get a feeling of accomplishment knowing they are part of an idea bigger than themselves; knowing they are valued and needed. Through the awards program they receive recognition, comradeship and a strong sense of community.

Children need to feel pride in themselves and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. Children long for someone to accept and praise them. If their parents don't, mentors can, neighbors can, teachers can, community heroes can—if only we give them a chance to earn that acceptance and praise. Kids know what is phony and what is real. They have abilities and dreams that exceed drawing a poster or bringing canned goods to church or school. We need to provide opportunities to let them show what they can do–to show that the community needs and values their enthusiasm, energy and abilities.