|
Youth Left Behind Program Making Strides to Brighter Futures Ahead
The demand for mentors and guidance for challenged, young individuals has become a concern for underprivileged youth of Escambia County. Youth Left Behind (YLB) is a program that has fulfilled that demand, and has given light and hope to the challenges that are being faced.
Despite facing various challenges, these young individuals have defied the odds and are making a stride toward their bright futures.
Hasaan Hills refused to let his past dictate his future. Through dedication and hard work, he has achieved remarkable success and is now using his platform to mentor and guide the youth of Escambia County facing similar challenges that he did growing up. His story serves as a source of inspiration for many in the area.
Hills expressed his gratitude for the Escambia Children’s Trust staff for the opportunity to serve the youth.
“I want to thank the staff with the trust for allowing me the opportunity to bring forth services to the children of Escambia County,” said Hills. “Especially in the 32501 and 325(05) district where it is very well needed.”
The peer group empowerment component of Youth Left Behind has given the young men that attend goals to aim for, and a vision for a bright future ahead.
Youth Left Behind has made a tremendous impact on their program attendees in just 4 months. All attendees have over a 2.0 grade point average, with the highest among all being a 3.14. This program has achieved a milestone of no referrals in over 90 days.
Sandra Jetter, mother of a Youth Left Behind program attendee, spoke to the testament of how this program has helped improve the livelihood of her son, going from failing grades to A/B honor roll and perfect attendance.
"It's a big step to go from middle school to high school, and with Hasaan's help he has no referrals and nothing but good responses from teachers," said Jetter.
These testomonials highlight the importance of investing in the potential of every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.
For more information on Youth Left Behind, please visit youthsleftbehind.org
###
Legal Services of North Florida: Bridging Legal Gaps for Youth in Escambia County
Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF) strives with the mission to, “advocate for improved quality at life through high-caliber civil legal assistance for those unable to otherwise access such services.”
That is just what LSNF is doing for the youth of Escambia County through funding provided by Escambia Children’s Trust. The contract is still in its infancy state only being active for 9 months, but LSNF has not failed to strive toward their vision of a pathway to justice for the youth of Escambia County.
Nicole Goheen, a Juvenile Dependency Attorney at LSNF, shared the goals for dependent juveniles in the county.
“The goal of dependency is to get children in their permanent placement as quickly and safely as possible. We want to focus on reunification with their families,” said Goheen.
Juvenile dependency services are not the only services provided to the youth of Escambia County. Education Rights Attorney at LSNF, Rebecca Schernitzki, stated how they are bridging the gap between families, teachers and the legal system.
“If they need to get enrolled in school that is something we are able to assist with,” said Schernitzki. “If we need to initiate any kind of special education services, that is something that we are focusing on coordinating with other agencies.”
LSNF diligently continues to meet the legal needs of children in Escambia County.
To view services provided by LSNF, visit their website at lsnf.org.
###
| 
