To the editor:

My son was recently caught with drug paraphernalia, and would like to share my story with your readers.

There was an article written some time ago about a young man who attended a community drug prevention program and didnít think his experience was worth much. that article was brought to my attention recently and I would like to give a different point of view.

One Sunday, my pastor was talking about the Swahili word ìUmbunto.î He said it meant a sense of belonging especially within a community. I didnít think much of it until my sonís drug offense opened my eyes.

My story:

I found myself referred to a community-based early intervention program when my son was caught with drug paraphernalia. this program we were referred to, the Youth Service Bureau (YSB), really made a difference to me and to my son.

I knew my son was into drugs and tried to talk to him, but he would never respond. I knew I needed more help. He was court ordered to attend some programs at the YSB.

We attended everything as a family to show support for our son, but also to make a point that there was something to be gained from these programs.

I really feel that all components of the Community Justice program made an impact on my son.

It helped him to see that this whole offense was not just about him. He saw that he was hurting his family as well as himself. I took something away too though. I realized that it takes the whole community to help. I could not have done this on my own, and was so relieved to find that the support that I needed was out there.

We all need to open our eyes:

My eyes were shut to the problem we have here. Kids use drugs. The kids I work with everyday use drugs. The programs at the YSB helped me to have an open mind and gave me ideas for talking with any young person.

Kids have trouble talking to their own parents most of the time, but will open up to others.

This can be a life saving point and we need to be there as a community when this happens.

I have seen three kids stop using drugs. Not necessarily because of me, but it is the whole system coming together.

I think the people who can benefit the most from the programs at the YSB are the parents! It is the whole ìeye-openingî and awareness component. We need to take responsibility for our children and their actions. We need to take ownership for our community. This is a partnership.

I see the importance of the Youth Service Bureau because it is a point where we can start to unite the community. We can start to build the community into what we want it to be. This includes showing concern for the community and showing the kids we care about them.

Just remember Umbunto. Everything comes together when we all look out for each other.

Roberta Tauer
Parent of former client and now a YSB volunteer

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