Does it seem like there’s more teen violence today than there used to be? Every week there is a new story in the headlines that elicits the same response, “We didn’t expect that to happen here,” or “We never thought that child would do that.” Should we really be surprised? There is more teen anger; and it’s understandable.
Under the disguise of teen privacy and personal rights, we have left today’s teen without the one thing they should have the right to have – protection. Today’s teen is desperately in need of protection from the myriad of unhealthy influences in their lives.
Picture the world of today’s teen. The one thing today’s teens desperately have the right to trust… to count on… is the stability of their family. However, half of them only have one parent in the home. Their “truster” is broken because their family life is broken.
Picture their environments. School is supposed to be a safe place; a place created by the community for teens to go and learn. Instead, school has become such an unsafe environment that most adults would not choose to work there in fear of being injured. They have metal detectors welcoming students and police or security guards greeting them in the hallways. The take away for students is that adults don’t really care or, at least, care enough to make the school environment as safe as their work environments.
Another environment where they need protection is cyber-world. Today’s teen is given the right to communicate with anyone at anytime via a multitude of cyber-devices and often times without any parental supervision. If I wouldn’t let a stranger come into my house and sit in my teen’s bedroom, then why would I let a stranger do it via the cyber-world?
No wonder teens are so angry. No wonder they are acting out the violent moves they have played and practiced on the video and internet games. Many teens are angry, but there is an easy answer for parents – a response. The response is something everyone can do; it’s called relationship.
The changeable part of the equation regarding teen anger is the schedule of the parent. Teens need to know that their parents aren’t too busy or absent altogether. Whether it is a one-parent household or two-parent household, the teen needs a relationship with a parent who will not require them to perform for attention.
Here’s the trick. Teens will often act like they don’t want a relationship with their parents. Yet deep down inside, most of them want a relationship with a parent or adult who can show them the ropes and who they can trust with their greatest fears. One of the obvious reasons the teens make great life changes here at Sheridan House is because they are introduced to adults who care. Yes, there’s still discipline and accountability, but the adults still care and they express their caring attitude.
Today’s parent can combat teen violence by deciding right now that it’s time for a relationship. If your teen is older, expect resistance. Regardless, set the appointments for spending “uninterrupted by anyone’s mobile phone” time together. Then, choose to listen!
The violence is screaming at teens prompting them to question, “Whose am I anyway!?” Parents need to be saying, “You are mine. I love you. I value you… and I’m re-arranging my schedule so we can spend time together!”
Each teen desires and needs to belong to something. Left alone, it could be a gang or a boy/girlfriend relationship. If parents decide to be intentional, it should be a family, a church youth group, and ultimately, Jesus Christ.
On Saturday, February 6, 2010, 230 Family Values supporters took their marks on the Sheridan House Family Ministries campus for the 2nd Annual Family Values 5K. Excited by the challenge to “Step Out For Children & Families,” each participant gladly took on the role of a Family Values fundraiser. With support from sponsoring community churches, businesses, families, and individuals, the Family Values 5K surpassed the original goal of $80,000 and has raised a total of $105,000 and counting.
If you are a parent of a school-aged child, January isn’t really the beginning of your family’s year; it is half-time. Your year began in August as the children started school and all their extra-curricular activities. The question is – what should you do during half-time?
Doesn’t it seem that it’s practically impossible to turn on the news, read a paper, or surf the internet without seeing headlines that blare, “We’ve Got Trouble.” I remember vividly the 1960’s American television series 
“It is more blessed to give rather than receive?” You’ve got to be kidding! What kind of a statement is that? That’s ridiculous! Of course, it’s more awesome to receive than it is to give – that’s what we’ve been taught all our lives. That’s what makes us feel good isn’t it; getting more things?
I remember hearing Rosemary say, “Bob, I just need for you to behave!”
Ephrain “Fish” Figueroa, the behavioral specialist in Boys House 1, has served at Sheridan House for almost five years. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Mr. Fig has a heart for working with boys. In fact, he often tells others that based on his background and past experiences he is just like a Sheridan House boy even though he was never in the program. Married for six years and father to four children, Mr. Fig enjoys the strong sense of family at Sheridan House. “I feel privileged to be a positive role model for the boys.” He is honored to see Christ works in the lives of the boys. “Once the boys are ready to graduate, it is a bittersweet time for them. They have reached the top of one mountain only to discover the rest of the journey that is before them. I am thrilled to help them prepare for this journey.”
Alissa Hafer is the behavioral specialist in Girls House 1, and has served here for almost two years. Actually, she was an intern for the Girls Summer Program for two summers before joining us full-time. A graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2006, she caught the vision for serving here when she attended the grand opening celebration of the new Sheridan House campus. “When we went to the grand opening, it was clear that the Lord was going to do something awesome in and through Sheridan House. It was then that I realized I wanted to be a part of it…It is a privilege to speak into the lives of young ladies at the most awkward and sometimes most challenging season of their lives.”
Adam Roberts has been at Sheridan House for nine years. Serving as behavioral specialist in Boys House 2, Adam graduated from Asbury College in 2001, married later that year, and celebrated the birth of his first child earlier this year. When asked why he chose to serve at Sheridan House, he stated, “Sheridan House is where you can spend quality time with each individual boy, cultivating relationships, and seeing progress. In fact, it is exciting to be a part of changing lives.” A highlight of his time with the boys is “seeing them respond to the fact that an adult actually wants to be with them.”
In high school, Julianna Guevara had the assignment to write about where she saw herself serving in the future. She wrote, “I see myself getting a degree, getting married, and ministering to middle school-aged girls.” It was also during this time that she first heard about Sheridan House by volunteering to be a part of a service project. A 2007 graduate of Florida International University, this south Florida native became the behavioral specialist in Girls House 2 soon after she got married over a year ago and is currently working toward a Master’s Degree at Trinity International University. One of her favorite aspects of serving at Sheridan House is the relationships she has formed with the girls and her house parents. “Serving at Sheridan House lines up with my passion and ministry.”
Finally, Matt Wells is the behavioral specialist in Boys House 3. Serving at Sheridan House for almost three years, Matt is excited about being a part of what he calls “front-line service.” He is a 2006 graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University and is also pursuing his Master’s Degree at Trinity International University. “The best part of serving at Sheridan House,” Matt reports, “is reaching into hurting families, providing hope, and sharing truth about Jesus Christ.” Relating with the boys during the camping trip in Colorado with his new bride has been the highlight for him this year.