Without Inner City Youth Programs Indianapolis Youngsters Are Doomed

By Kathleen Smith


In some rural areas one often still find some sense of community but it is becoming increasingly rare. In the cities, social structures seem to be all about prestige, position and money. Nobody seems to care for others any longer. Selfishness and greed seem to be the new creed. In the process, many people fall through the cracks and a large percentage of them are young people. Nobody cares about them. However, with their inner city youth programs Indianapolis is trying to reverse the tide.

The large scale breakup of the family unit is probably the primary cause of such a deluge of delinquent youths. Modern parents are busy, they have to deal with many pressures and they just do not have time to spend with their offspring. Thus they are left to their own devices, only to end up in the wrong company. A lot of organizations realize this fact and try to create environments where these vulnerable young people will get encouragement and even love.

A very large number of young people drop out of school and give up hope because they believe that they will never be given the opportunity to lead ordinary lives. Most of them do not even have rudimentary skills that can help them find employment. Some organizations recognize this need and in partnership with potential employers, they offer training courses that may just make all the difference.

Serious behavioral problems are common amongst troubled youngsters. Rejection, anger, insecurity, abuse and low self esteem all eventually leave their ugly marks. Young people react by becoming violent, depressed, defiant and sometimes even suicidal. They need psychological help and many organizations offer counseling to these unfortunate youngster. They cannot move on until they have overcome their own problems. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to convince them that they need help.

A very large percentage of young people on the streets are addicted to substances. For many of them, this is the only escape they have from the harsh reality. There are some caring organizations that offer excellent rehabilitation programs, but it is often very difficult to convince young addicts that they need help. Sadly, the success rate is also very disappointing.

If one has nowhere to stay and very little to eat no motivational program will have a lasting effect. The issue is all about daily survival. But there are a few organizations and churches that offer homeless young people shelter and food. Once they are thus secured, their chances of succeeding in other programs are just so much higher. There are just a few shelters in each city, however.

It is a sad fact that only a fraction of those young people that desperately need help are actually reached. There simply are not enough resources. The vast majority of desperately needy youngsters will end up living lives of crime, landing in jail or dying from violence or drug overdoses. Those trying to help them know this, but they can only do what they can within their means.

Ignoring the fact that there are so many troubled youngster in the cities will most certainly come back to haunt society as a whole. It is the young people that will take charge eventually. If they are not equipped to do so, calamity awaits. Besides, everyone deserves a chance.




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