Six probation youth, including former gang members, are putting themselves on a path to a brighter future with a new Life Skills program that exposes them to positive options and helps them prepare for a successful transition back into the community.
The program is offered to high risk youth ages 16 to 19 by San Diego County Probation, San Diego Police Department and STAR/PAL, a nonprofit that connects members of law enforcement with children from low-income or troubled homes. On Tuesday, the teens completed the nine-week program and received certificates at a graduation ceremony at the Tubman-Chavez Community Center.
Amin K., 18, is one of the six youth in this second graduating class. “I’ve connected with some of the staff and I have a close relationship with my probation officer now. And the two ladies (STAR/PAL officers), they text me all the time. They let me know information on what’s coming up, and they check up on me throughout the week,” Amin said. “I have someone to talk to now. My life plan is work, school and join the military after my two years in community college. I’m thinking of joining the Navy and coming back to finish my college education at a university.”
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