As we begin our New Year, I would like to talk about resiliency in youth. Resiliency is frequently defined as having the skills to bounce back despite difficult times. The research has found that more than 50% of youth living in high risk environments will grow up to be successful and happy adults (Bonnie Benard, Emmy Werner and Ruth Smith, Wolin and Wolin) IF they live in an environment that provides these three factors: 1) They are surrounded by people with high expectations 2) There are at least three caring adults in their life 3) They have multiple opportunities to participate
We all have the opportunity to make a difference in the future of the lives of each and every child we encounter. As the months pass by, please think about this and how you can make a difference in the life of a youth.