More About Utah Federation For Youth
(5/12/99)
In the wake of the school shooting in Colorado, parents may wonder what they can do to prevent their kids from becoming involved in violent behavior.
One Utah organization believes they have an answer.
The Utah Federation for Youth teaches kids the skills to help them avoid violent behavior and substance abuse.
Adam and Alexis Weiss took part in one of the federation's programs -
Peace Trees.
The intent is to give them peace-making and leadership skills.
Last year, the Peace Tree group cleaned and planted trees in a high crime area along the banks of the Jordan River.
The kids say it helps them feel a part of - and give back to - the community.
According to Adam, "Better my life and show that I can do something in my community."
Alexis says, "It helped me get along with my family and with my friends. I can be more open with my friends and my family. It's just helped me be a better person."
This year, Peace Trees volunteers will plant trees in Millcreek Canyon and along the Jordan River.
Other than Peace Trees, the federation has a fleet of other workshops and camps.
Sara Eubank, the executive director of the Utah Federation for Youth explains, "Everything from learning how to balance a checkbook and just simple money management skills, to really serious in-depth communication skills."
They say they simply try to enhance the positive qualities kids innately have.
"There are 52 virtues we are born with and we call the kids to action with those virtues, rather than placing upon them certain values and morays, we ask them to step up to their kindness and ability to be kind," Eubank says.
She says anything parents and the community can do to make kids feel as though they belong draws them away from violence and substance abuse.
For more information on the Utah Youth Federation, call our Family Now information line at 1-800-575-5751 or click here.
