Teen After School Enrichment Pprogram

After researching why so many kids are being arrested or having encounters with law enforcement the after school problems of unsupervised youth, a teen after school program was developed at two of my locations. The after school program was developed to provide teens another choice. The study indicated that youth left unsupervised after school make choices based on opportunity. Out of boredom and the need for acceptance, many are lured into joining gangs or engaging in other destructive activities.

The average ages 13-17, teens participate in a variety of programs between 3:15 and 5:30 p.m. Funding is provided by myself, No Hassle and No Fault Bail Bonds and public donations. The program includes a full-time Youth Outreach Coordinator and four part-time volunteers. Activities include business and becoming a bail bonds agent, intramural sports, drama, arts, dance, chess, computer classes, Jr. bail bonds agent club, mentoring program and other enrichment activities. A Program is currently being developed which will assist with teen becoming a bail bonds agent. Another special project being developed with local record labels.

The value of the program will be measured in several ways. Principals at each school will notice a decline in fighting after school. There will be a reduction in absenteeism, drop-out rates, discipline problems and crime, and improvement in attendance and parental and community support. Single parents and dual working parents rave about the program. They appreciate and take comfort in the fact that their teenage son or daughter is in safe hands after school, they say. Ms. S.D. a parent said at a recent PTA meeting, "This is the best thing a business can do to help kids in Jacksonville. I have never seen nor heard of a Bail Bonds business biting his hand off they are here to help my kid before he or she is arrested, not after, thank you Ms. Briggette."