Finding Trust and Support through Positive Youth Development
Jeffrey Hunt always had his guard up. But who could blame him? Growing up in a rough neighborhood, he had already seen more than most. He remembers going outside and thinking it was normal to see drugs and violence. He’d even witnessed shootouts in broad daylight.
“You had to be on the lookout because you knew every day something was gonna happen,” Hunt said. “Somebody’s gonna get beat up, somebody’s gonna get shot, somebody’s gonna get stabbed today.”
Everyone was on edge all the time, and he was no different. Even with all the crime and violence, life on the streets could still be tempting for kids like Jeffrey. He would see the money the drug dealers made, the flashy clothes and newest Jordan sneakers they always seemed to have. Admittedly, sometimes it was tough to not consider giving into that life.
Knowing that environment was toxic for their son, Jeffrey’s parents enrolled him in the Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis when he was 7. At first, it was tough for Jeffrey to warm up to people. He remembers sitting by himself and “mean-mugging” anybody who tried to talk to him.
But eventually, he was able to open up; he began playing sports with the other kids and participated in leadership development courses, reading and computer programs. He began to really excel – top 10 in his class!
The Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis, United Way and you helped Jeffrey stay off the streets and provided him a support system he could trust and rely on. He recently graduated from Arsenal Tech High School and will attend Indiana State University to study computer science.
Now, when he thinks about life on the streets and the flashy clothes, he knows it’s not worth it. “They can’t trust anybody, always having to look over their shoulder,” Jeffrey said, knowing his future is now so much brighter.