He Was Only 13

I know a guy who told me that he was taught to never get into an argument unless prepared to fight and even to kill.

Think about that and then about the exchange that followed:

Where did you learn that? – “When I got into a gang.”

How old were you? – “I was 13.”

Why did you join a gang? – “Because that’s the only place I fit in.”

Think about that for a few minutes...

Think also about the reality that there have been, and still are, many such young people who find themselves experiencing such disconnection.  In this story, the almost desperate search for connection that began with gang membership soon led to drugs, alcohol, and jail. 

Why do we, as a society, let this happen?  Why don’t we see it happening all around us? 

The Jefferson-Berkeley Alliance on Substance Use Prevention (JBA) sees all of this and, along with many partner agencies, strives to keep children from the use and abuse of drugs through education and support for both children and their parents as well as working to sustain and help build healthy and necessary connections.

This is a big job, far too big and demanding for any of the agencies and individuals involved. This effort needs more, and we would love to welcome you into this effort in as many ways as possible. 

Contact us and let’s talk!