This book is written and published to help churches, civic organizations, schools, community groups, youth programs and the like to open and operate their own youth services program. The size of the program depends upon the number of participants for which the programs exist. Examples are based on The Velocity Foundation’s program and should in no way mean that each program should follow the example straight forward. Research for this book is based on 2010 census data from the State of Louisiana. To develop a youth program, the program must deal with self esteem, drug prevention, pregnancy prevention, violence prevention, ATOD issues and bullying issues. These issues will help save lives and create a value system that is consistent with the norms of society. The program activities should be held in a safe environment such as a retreat setting, away from the normal everyday meeting places. It should offer field trips, history lessons, trusting and bonding exercises with youth, and group therapy. The program should also teach life skills, personal hygiene skills, teach respect for others and responsibility. The program should develop a set of standards that everyone in the group agrees on. They should have an opportunity to give examples of what “PUT DOWNS” are as well as why such a standard is used. Once they have agreed, they should signify by standing.
