Asbury Park, NJ (January 9, 2012) - The Asbury Park Community Development Initiative is looking for a few good men – or women – to mentor at-risk youth in the community. Representatives from Community Based Organizations, Government Agencies, Faith Based Groups, Law Enforcement, Education, and interested Community representatives are part of the initiative which is co-chaired by Mayor Ed Johnson and Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Huth.
“The power of one caring adult can defeat any of the challenges that our young people face today. It is up to all of us to take an active part in the everyday lives of our children. Becoming a mentor is an exciting and meaningful way of doing just that” commented Mayor Johnson. The goal of the initiative is to provide 100 volunteer mentors to 100 youth in 100 days beginning on January 20th.
Asbury Park is one of five New Jersey Cities which the Attorney General's office has selected to form a community initiative to prevent juvenile crime and promote positive outcomes for youth. This action oriented initiative is currently focusing attention on ways to expand youth employment opportunities and to provide mentors for at risk youth in the city.
In addition, the group has established a Police Chaplaincy program which places voluntary clergy on 24 hour call to respond and to offer non-sectarian assistance when juveniles are arrested for minor offenses. “It is vitally important that every child in this city has a responsible adult that they can turn to for support. Providing mentors for our at-risk children is one of best crime prevention strategies that we as a community can endorse” said Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Huth.
An additional objective of the Initiative is provide Asbury Park with a comprehensive, city wide coalition that enables all of these participating groups to communicate and coordinate with each other under the leadership of the Mayor and the Prosecutor’s Office. The next Asbury Park Community Development Initiative meeting will be held on January 20, 2012 at 10am at Shiloh Community Fellowship UH Church located 142 Dewitt Avenue, Asbury Park.
For more information on becoming a Big Brother or Sister or to make a donation call 732-544-2224.
