Viewpoints
Let's walk the talk when it
comes to the kids in Ketchikan.
By Patti Fay Hickox
January 19, 2007
Friday
300 Ketchikan people surveyed and they say "kids are important
in our community." Who are we kidding? We surveyed the
kids twice (2 times). And twice 20 percent of the kids said,
"community values youth." That means twice (2 times)
80% said "community does not value youths."
Revilla Island Prevention Coalition (meets once a month) contact
jjackson@kictribe.org. A coalition of different people that
meet once a month to help prevent substance abuse in our youths.
This coalition has been going on for years. Many of our agencies
participate in this coalition. They need volunteers. Since
that survey "Big Brothers and Big Sisters" meets once
a month. They need mentors or advisory committees. We have
the "Boys and Girls Club." I bet they could use volunteers.
"Ketchikan Youth Court." They need volunteers. Many
people in this Town have been working to change the stats. We
don't need more talk. We need volunteers to "walk the talk."
"The Asset Program" PATCHWorks @ Public Health has
been working for years to get people together to help our children.
"The Family Day Celebration" started by W.I.S.H. has
been going on for years. To be a good example to families and
show them how to have fun together. People learn by example.
That substance abuse was low on the list is part of the problem.
This is a big problem when it comes to neglecting children.
"30 days of treatment is not enough time to learn "how
to live sober an enjoy your children." In the recovery
community we call this a "spin dry." Yes! You have
the alcohol and drugs mostly our of your system, But now you
need examples and support to live a sober life. What do we do?
Close our only halfway house. TLC. And kick the people out
on the street. "Put them in jail. Make them a criminal."
Cut the budget for treatment centers. If you were raised in
a home with substance abuse, you do not get examples of having
fun without alcohol and drugs. How can you have fun with your
kids if you don't know how and you have no EXAMPLES.
My husband had many years in AA. He also was a minister and
had many years working in a church. When I would get tired because
of my own volunteering he said, "Patti you can count on
3% of the people in AA to do all the work. And you can count
on 3% of the people in the church to do all the work."
It's always the same 3%. If you are tired don't volunteer for
a while. You can always get back to it. Let's get more that
3% of our people to volunteer.
Be a mentor, be an Asset to
a child. You can change their life forever.
APRIL IS NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH, get involved!
Patti Fay Hickox
hickoxpatricia_[at]yahoo.com
Ketchikan, AK
Received January 18, 2007 - Published January 19, 2007
About: "Patti Fay Hickox,
Long time Ketchikan resident and has been working with children
and families with addiction problems. Retired Now."
Note: Comments published
on Viewpoints are the opinions of the writer
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews.
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