At the May 16, meeting, Club President-Barbara Battle , called the meeting to order.
Before the presentation by the speaker, President-Elect, Gudiel Crosthwaite, (and LUSD Superintendent), talked about the college acceptance program and scholarships granted to LUSD students during a HBCU Caravan Tour. (HBCU stands for Historically Black College and Universities.) As stated in the LUSD newsletter: “Lynwood High students received $3.2 million in scholarships and 248 acceptances, and Firebaugh/ Vista High students obtained $1.9 in scholarships with 154 acceptances.”
Gudiel also introduced guest Ana Gonzales who serves as Principal at LHS.
As shown in this week’s cover page, at the Rotary District 5280 Annual Conference, Sat, May 18, at the Marriot Hotel, in Ventura. Youthact leaders from Roosevelt ES, along with some parents, and adult leaders, Fernando and Tila Millan will attend this event, where they will be recognized for their exceptional accomplishments during the last year.
The speaker, Cheryl Hunt, Assistant Operations Manager, Teen Challenge, International talked about the mission of the national and international organization, which is to help young women and men overcome their addictions to alcohol and drugs. The facility in Lynwood is a 28 bed home for young women, located in a structure that looks like a regular home, located in the southern edge of Lynwood on Euclid Ave. near Santa Fe Ave. It has been in use there since the 80's.
In answer to questions from Ramon Rodriguez, women interested in living at this center or other centers of Teen Challenge, will have an interview with written documentation of their situation. For those approved based on their applications and interview, a one year residency is provided.
In total, there are 1400 Teen Challenge centers throughout the world, with 200 centers in the US, and 10 centers in So Cal. In the Inland Empire, there is a center for men.
As noted, in a fact sheet, “Since 1963, Teen Challenge of Southern California has been providing a no-cost one year faith based residential recovery solution for men and women who struggle with life controlling drug and alcohol problems.” As to statistics, about 20 million American adults battle a substance use disorder, whether it be alcohol or illicit drugs or both. “Drug abuse and addiction cost American society more than $740 billion annually in lost work place productivity, healthcare expenses and crime-related costs.”
As a faith based private organization, all of its funds are donated. For example, there is a coming fund raising event, that Cheryl encouraged the Lynwood Rotary to support and to participate. Included in a brochure: Los Angeles Teen Challenge 5K Walk For Recovery at Belmont Shores. “Join us for a Sunset Walk” Sep 21, Granada Launch Ramp, 5000 E Ocean Blvd., Long Beach CA 90803 Registration at 3:30 pm / Walk is 4:30 – 6:30 pm.
Rotary member Raj asked what is the difference between Teen Challenge and other drug treatment centers. Cheryl answered that Teen Challenge is faith based. To another question from Raj, Cheryl said that 70 – 80 % of Teen Challenge residents recover from their addictions, and that recidivism is only between 20- 30 %. This is lower (meaning better than) than other treatment centers. As to another question, Cheryl said that Teen Challenge does not follow the procedures (the 12 steps of Alcoholic Anonymous), instead we follow steps provided in the Bible.
Member Martina commented about the issue of marijuana use within the community and how its availability is likely to make worse problems of people struggling with addiction problems within Lynwood.
Three women currently living at Teen Challenge home in Lynwood talked briefly about their experiences and current recovery: Eva talked about the wrong choices she made. She exclaimed that her life is completely changed, noting that she has two children. Eliana noted that she has four children, and that she experienced abuse from her husband. Now she is experiencing complete restoration. Rhonda noted how she is now always looking for good things to happen to her each day.
Daniel Miller Public Relations/ Community Outreach Lynwood Rotary Club