Headlines

"Parents of a 23-month-old girl are hoping for her to return home safely after officers say she was raped by three young boys, one of which is the little girl's brother."

"Many hope that the death of Chicago teenager can lead to long-term solutions to the problem of youth violence in Chicago, which has had numerous high-profile cases over the last 25 years."

"Last week's pummeling of a Deerfield Beach Middle School student is the most recent case that has shaken the community. Investigators say the student, who's fighting for her life and in a medically-induced coma, was beaten after a text-messaging dispute with a 15 year old, a high school student who had never met the victim previously."

Reading these headlines, I am painfully reminded that not all children enjoy the "carefree" days of childhood. 

As a nation, we are in a time of high concern about increasing violent behavior by young people. We are in a season of reflection as to what can be done to stem this tide. Helping young people avoid or overcome emotional problems in the wake of violence is one of the most important challenges a parent, teacher, or nation can face.

But there is HOPE as can be heard in the words of these Kids Hope USA kids:

"I don't have to hurt people to get attention anymore," said Ryan. "Mr. Paul, my KHUSA friend, gives me all the attention I need." - 3rd grader

A second grader, Matt was the most fearsome bully on the playground. His violent and aggressive behavior was a plea for attention and love. Two months after he was matched with Miss Pat, Matt didn't just stop fighting; he actually applied for a role as a playground mediator. "I want to help other kids avoid fighting."

Javon became a bully in school because he received no attention from an alcoholic mom and an absent dad. "The time with my mentor meant a lot to me. I had no one to help me make the right decisions besides Miss Mary."

You can change a life...and that's no small change.

Craig Schrotenboer is the Vice President of Operations at the Kids Hope USA national office and enjoys practicing what he believes by mentoring a little boy himself.