June 27, 2019
Episode #25 | Jeffrey & Ally from AMI Kids | Call for Help for At-Risk Youth
This is an important podcast. Jeffrey & Ally joined me to discuss the loss of funding for a critical program they run in Southwest Florida that directly benefits at-risk youth. AMI Kids’ motto is “Separating a troubled past from a bright future”. Bottom Line Up Front: AMI Kids is losing funding for their program and essentially losing staff that provide absolutely critical guidance/mentorship for youth that need it. Please listen in…AND if you can, please spread the message that they need help. Links to donating and information are listed below.
“Since 1991, AMIkids Southwest Florida has been dedicated to helping kids discover the potential within them, transform their lives and strengthen our community. Located in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, AMIkids Southwest Florida empowers our kids through care and guidance to reach that potential and, as a result, break the cycle of failure and poverty. Our program serves both boys and girls who have committed a variety of non-violent offenses and are involved with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Our staff works together with our kids and their families to address issues both in the home and in the student's neighborhood and help our kids to work through their issues and gain the needed skills to return to their families and communities. Since 1991, we have helped over 2,500 kids transform their lives and despite our kids averaging over eight arrests prior to enrolling in our program, 79% of our kids do not re-offend within the first year of completion…. Due to a restructuring and reallocations of funds from state legislation, AMIkids Southwest Florida has lost funding from the Department of Juvenile Justice and the School District of Lee County.”
More about SW Florida Chapter: http://www.amikids.org/programs-and-services/programs/amikids-southwest-florida/story/about
DONATIONS: https://donate.amikids.org/AMIkidsSWFlorida
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amikidssouthwestflorida
Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccolo
