TUNE IN

TeenNick HALO Awards

December 11, 2009
8:00 PM
DIRECTV Channel 303
DISH Channel 181
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Changing The Cycle

In the early stages of life, the minds and hearts of young children are pure. Adults feel that every child is sent to earth with a wonderful gift to share with the world. Their imaginations are bigger than one can imagine. Curiosity about any and everything seems to dance across the brain like professionals on a ballroom floor. Their dreams are endless. When asked, “what would you like to be when you grow up?”, one would hear answers such as, doctor, lawyer, nurse, policeman, fireman, and even the president. In my neighborhood, as these children get older, their dreams begin to shrink.

It is usually around eleven years of age that this drastic change begins to happen. There are a lot of gangs, drug dealers, and alcoholics in my neighborhood. There are so many negative acts taking place in and around my neighborhood. It is not uncommon for children to repeat what they see. The young innocent children are always looking up to the older people in my neighborhood and aspiring to be just like them. The kids are so young and know little about the world, so they are ignorant to the fact that the things they are seeing are not good for them, so they begin to repeat these acts.

Negative acts in my community such as fighting are constantly praised, and it helps corrupt the young minds into thinking that the things that we know are wrong, are right. Things such as, fights get people in my neighborhood excited, so the younger kids begin to do the same. The kids begin to repeat criminal acts that they see, and help contribute to the increasing crime rate. They become what are known as “jail birds”, because their acts cause them to be in and out of jail. The big dreams and great imaginations they once had begin to fade away and it becomes less likely that they will ever achieve them.

As I watch this cycle take place in my neighborhood, on television, and read them in news articles; curiosity begins to arouse in my mind like a little kid. How long will this cycle continue? How can this cycle be stopped? For me and my family, can it stop with me? How do we get these kids to realize their potential and to never let go of their dreams? How do we get them to realize that they are great? This cycle has gone on long enough. It is time for a change!

Wesley --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


1 of 12,000

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a worldwide problem that infects many and affects everyone. In the state of Georgia, alone, there are at least 12,000 children affected by this epidemic, and I am one of these 12,000.

My mother was diagnosed with HIV when I was a year old. We’ve been living with it ever since 1993. My father was infected with the virus sometime in his childhood due to a blood transfusion. He was born a hemophiliac and grew up in the 1970’s before much was known about the disease. Therefore, blood wasn’t tested during that time for the virus.

I was born HIV negative. Although, I am not infected, I am affected. My mother was obligated to inform my sisters and I of sex, as well as her condition at an early age. We have faced struggles along with her as we have grown. I’ve read hundreds of stats, attended dozens of health fairs, and probably know more about the virus than most sex education teachers. It’s an everyday harsh reality that I am forced to live with. Statistics say that I am more at risk than a child not affected, but although I am affected, I am determined not to be a part of those infected.

Jhanay

Fifteen Student: Maynard Jackson High School

The Fifteen leadership program has allowed me to explore the city of Atlanta, meet new people, and be creative in leadership development. It has also opened my mind to new experiences. When I started Fifteen I felt very shy and self- reserved but the staff of Fifteen really know how to make a person feel welcome and a part of a family. My passion and ultimate goal is to major in Fashion Design and minor in Business management. My dream school is SCAD( Savannah College of Art and Design) in Atlanta. With not being able to have enough money to go, I write essays for scholarships in my spare time for extra money.

The Fifteen program is also allowing me to study different kinds of art and photography. Through this program we are equipped with a knowlegde of seeing the unseen. With every photo we are taught how to determine the lighting, postion, and the most important question we ask ourselves is, "Does the picture tell a story?" Even though my goals may seem out of reach this doesn't stop me, it only drives me to overcome and acheive them even more. Until I do reach my goals the Fifteen program will forever be a part of my daily walk in life.

For more info on Fifteen, visit e2l-fifteen.com.
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Dream Big: Kevin Carroll comes to E2L

On Saturday, April 19, we were very fortunate to have Kevin Carroll as our guest. Kevin, a former athletic trainer for the Philadelphia Sixers and "human catalyst" for Nike Corporation, now travels the world sharing his philosophy: Rules of the Red Rubber Ball (ESPN Books).

That philosophy is drawn from Kevin's childhood experiences on the playground--particularly the memory of how an abandoned rubber ball catapaulted him into a lifelong love of sports and play. Kevin asks his audiences, "What's your red rubber ball?" In other words, what's the one thing that can launch you into innovation, into inspiration, into new horizons?

It was a message that hit our Fifteen students in a big way.

By speaking the language of teenagers, Kevin was able to imprint some very adult ideas. He communicated in very real, very down-to-earth terms the possibility of making a difference, of using even unconventional talents to enact positive change in the world. It's a concept that Fifteen strives to ignite in its participants, and one that was given a new voice in Kevin Carroll.

Kevin took our students through a sort of inspiration flow chart, a series of images that laid out his principles for success. Included in the diagram were images of a wide-open eye (curiosity) and a baby lifting a weighted barbell (potential)--along with an iconic image of Muhammad Ali, paired with the admonition to "do your lonely work" and remain driven to succeed. "If you don't prepare for success, it's not going to come," Kevin said.

The images made a particular impression on our students. Second-year Fifteen participant LaShawn said, "Muhammad Ali was the biggest one for me--just talking about always keeping that drive." For Jeremy and Neil, also in their second year with the program, it was the baby/barbell photo that left a mark: "Because anything is possible...anything can happen."

Kevin also laid out the central concept to his philosophy: Dream Big. The word "dream" contains the 5 most important ingredients for success: Dedication, Responsibility, Education, Attitude and Motivation. And according to Kevin, "'E' is the most important letter in the word 'dream'. There are teachable moments in every day."

Kevin's message perfectly complements our core values in the Fifteen program: turning urban teens into leaders and pointing them toward lives of purpose and distinction. We've been striving to make inner-city teens "dream big" and "prepare for success"--and it's working. While half of our original participants were not on schedule to graduate high school at the start of our program, now each student is on schedule--and what's more, each one now has plans for postsecondary education. And as they continue to strive for success, we'll continue to help them seek out new opportunities and horizons--because we know their potential is absolutely boundless.

And in the spirit of new opportunities, this autumn will see the official launch of our PUSH program. With PUSH, we'll start equipping our participants with marketable skills and creative training in our brand-new computer lab, hopefully sparking their interest in creative fields and giving them a "push" toward fulfilling careers. For more info on this exciting program--and to see how you can help--visit www.e2lonline.com/push.html.

Inspiration. Empowerment. Success. Help Essential2Life put them within reach of at-risk youth all over Atlanta.

For more info on Kevin Carroll, visit kevincarrollkatalyst.com.

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Seeing through Experience

My name is Jeremy Murphy. From when I was born I lived in Grady Homes then I moved to College Park when I was 10 then to MLK when I was 13 then I moved to Mechanicsville at the age of 14 now I live in Summerhill with my aunt. I have a sister named Jawanda, she is 20 and she also lives with me.

The reason I wanted to do this homeless story is because I have a family member that lives on the streets, which is my mother. I know a bit of what they are going through by living on the streets. Although this happened with my mother living on the streets, I have been able to live with my aunt and sister.

I feel this is important because they need the chance that they never got in life and I want them to get that chance that people would not let them get. I wish that people who are not homeless would look at people that are homeless and see that they never got the chance that they got in life.

Instead of people saying or thinking that they are some junkies doing drugs on the street, I want them to see that it is not the case in most situations. After I was born I lived with my grandmother and attended John Hope Elementary up until she got sick with cancer then I moved with my aunt into Grady Homes.

After a little while my cousin got caught with drugs so my aunt got evicted so I had to move to a shelter until she got a place to stay. I stayed in the shelter for four years then my aunt came and got me and ever since then I have lived with her and my sister in Summerhill. When I was in the seventh grade my grandmother passed away and it was hard for me to deal with it because my grandmother and I were really close and I could talk to her about anything that I needed help with in school or at home.

In my community I see that not so many homeless people live in the community but the people I do see live with out food and in run down houses.

My dream would be to let people see how the homeless live so that they would know how it feels to be homeless. After they see how the homeless live, people would want to help them to make their life a little better.

Visit our "Through Their Eyes" Gallery

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Back2School 07

Our back2school event was a success because of you! We gave over 500 at risk youth backpacks filled with supplies. By providing these youth with backpacks we are able to give a child confidence as they started their year off with the right tools for success.

We also were able to connect with local elementary schools and give children backpacks that came to school the first day without one. We also had extra supplies that we gave to the teachers to use throughout the year as they needed. The principal, teachers, and students were grateful for everything. We will continue to partner with these schools throughout the year with value-based programs, tutoring and mentor programs. We are very excited about the opportunity we have to make a difference in a youth’s life. Thank you for being a part of creating life-changing moments in the lives of so many young people.


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Laniqua Bell has been involved with Essential2life for the past year participating in our Kid’s Explosion program as well as multiple special events. When asked why she volunteered with Essential2life she gave the following responses.

Essential2life: How did you find out about Essential2life?

Laniqua Bell: I found out about Essential2life one day when I was surfing the internet looking for volunteer opportunities. There is a statewide website set up to inform volunteers of opportunities in Georgia. After reading up on a couple of the programs, Essential2life seemed to be most fitting for what I was looking for.

E2L: Why did you decide to volunteer?

LB: Volunteering has always been something that I wanted to do, but never did. I finally made up my mind that now is the time for me to start giving more of myself to other people.

E2L: What was your first volunteer experience with E2L like?

LB: I was overwhelmed by the amount of children who were in need.

E2L: What is the best part of volunteering for Essential2Life?

LB: I love the response we get from the children and the change that is taking place in their lives. It is amazing how giving just a little bit of attention to a child can change their whole outlook on life. It feels great to know that because of me, because of us, those children can grow up to be beautiful, strong, successful, empowering adults. I love working with Essential2life. These people put their hearts into making the lives of these children better and I am glad I can be a part of it all.

E2L: Would you like to share anything else about volunteering?

LB: While I have always been very thankful for what I have, I found myself wondering on occasion why I didn’t have more. I kept telling myself that I should have more; I work hard for more, but where is it? I slowly started to learn that no matter how much I worked or went to school or spent money, I was never going to be completely happy until I started giving to others. This is what Essential2Life has enabled me to do: Give back to others.

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Christmas Thank You

Thank you for your support during the Christmas season. Because of your contributions of time and finances, over 2,000 gifts were provided to the children in Atlanta’s inner city. We were able to not only put a gift in a child’s hand, but bring joy and hope to a child’s life. So many of our parents would not have been able to provide their children with gifts at Christmas, but through your generosity, we made sure that every child received a gift.


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Essential2Education

On October 17th, Herndon Elementary welcomed over 100 students and teachers from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School to participate in an Essential2Education Service Day. Students assisted with grading papers, bulletin board decorating, tutoring and one on one reading.

The following are statements from Holy Innocents’ students who participated in the program:

“My experience at Herndon was definitely enjoyable. The little kindergartners I was with were the sweetest things and were so eager to be with me and learn from me too! They were cooperative, attentive, and absolutely adorable. I definitely learned a lot from these kids. I never realized how hard it could be to learn and teach until I had to do it myself. There was also a lesson in determination. As much as the boy I was with struggled with learning the difference between 10 and 50, he kept doggedly pursuing it, never getting irritable or giving up. That was so admirable to me. A little five year old was showing so much more determination than I would have ever expected. I must say, as soon as he finally got the concept that one was a different number than ten, and began to recognize the multiples of ten, life was good. I felt like I had helped someone, and he rewarded me by giving me the best hug ever.”



“I was assigned to Mrs. Johnson's fourth grade class. The whole day was awesome! The coolest thing I saw from the class was that every member of the class was included. When we were at lunch no one was left out! They all were friends! It's amazing how that is the exact opposite in high school. The whole day I was envying the class. They are more mature at making friends than we are! Each member of the class touched my heart and I hope I get to see them again!”



“Herndon elementary was really great and I could see that the kids enjoyed being there. The teachers were very appreciative of us coming and the kids were awesome. I would love to go back.”



“My experience at Herndon Elementary was very heart warming. I helped out with a special needs class and worked with a kid named Willie. Willie showed excitement in all the activities and tried extra hard when I was helping him. When we were leaving, Willie gave me a hug and asked if I was coming back. I told him yes and that I wanted to because it was such a great experience.  This was a great experience because I had worked with a bunch of excellent kids and it made me a better person.”



Would you like to get your students involved? Click here for more information.

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