Featured Films: 60 Seconds of Distance

60 Seconds of Distance

Posted on April 8th, 2011 by tdelgreco No Comments

Three young men struggle to create distance from violence and pain of the streets, in a film inspired by the young actors’ real lives.

Starring:
Gary Dourdan
Josh Feinman

Written and Directed by:
Allen L. Sowelle

Produced by:
Lizette Jamison

Director of Photography:
Mike Budde

Runtime: 23 Minutes

Warning Signs of Violent Behavior

The best defense in protecting kids against gangs, is a good offense

Much like discussing drugs and alcohol with your children, you must take similar precautions and talk to your kids about the dangers of gang involvement. It's very important for parents, teachers, and others to be able to recognize the warning signs and intervene if necessary. Paying attention to red flags and talking with your child about gangs and violence can give you some peace of mind and help keep them safe.

Learn more about youth violence and the warning signs you shouldn't ignore:

Admitting to gang involvement
Withdrawal from family and friends
Excessive feelings of isolation and rejection
Victim of violence, abuse, or neglect
Low school interest, or poor performance
Acts of aggression or specific threats of violence
Drug and alcohol use
Changes in personality or behavior, clothing and appearance
Unexplained cash, items, jewelry

Youth Violence and Gangs

Learn more about gangs, warning signs, and prevention

A gang is a group of young adults who are involved in violent or illegal activity; and often have a common name, symbol, or color. Gang violence is a problem in every major city in the U.S. While gang members may or may not be of the same culture or ethnicity, they tend to have similar backgrounds and reasons for joining.

In order to prevent youth violence, it's important to understand gangs and why kids join:

Poverty: Many gangs exist mainly as a moneymaking enterprise. By committing thefts and dealing drugs, gang members can make relatively large amounts of money.
Peer pressure: Youth who are associated with and intimidated by delinquent friends are at risk of gang involvement.
Lack of school achievement: Youth who lack scholastic achievement, and are viewed negatively by educators are more likely to join gangs.
Status: Gang membership may provide young people with a feeling of being somebody.
Drug use: Not only does the sale of illegal drugs drive the profits of street gangs, they also create many of the conditions that lead to gang membership.

Substance Abuse and Addiction

Learn more about alcoholism and where to go for help

Many adults enjoy having a drink from time to time. A small amount of wine - a glass or two a day - can even lower your risk of getting heart disease. But drinking too much can hurt those around you and could cost you your life. Alcohol affects your motor skills, judgment, and self-control. Drinking and driving and drinking while you're pregnant are very dangerous. Drinking too much can cause bleeding in the stomach and esophagus (the tube from your mouth to your stomach), impotence, brain and nerve damage, and memory loss. If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there are several groups and organizations that can help.

Learn more about the symptoms of alcohol abuse and Find out if your drinking is causing problems:

Always drinking more than 1 or 2 drinks at a time, several times a week or every day.
Not being able to control your drinking, even when you promise you will.
Being arrested, getting into a fight, or missing work because of alcohol.
Thinking you don't have a problem, even when everyone around you tells you that you do.

Student Aid on the Web

Learn more about available financial programs

Federal Student Aid helps you make informed decisions regarding all phases of a college, technical or trade school education and career choice. There are several programs available at participating schools around the country. Find out if you're eligible for financial aid, scholarships, loans, work-study programs, and more.

Learn how to make higher education more affordable:

YMCA Youth Development Programs

Building strong kids, strong families and strong communities

YMCAs are for people of all ages, incomes and abilities. Half of YMCAs' members nationwide are under age 18. YMCAs give teens a safe place to call their own, a chance to connect with adults who care about them and an opportunity to get involved in programs that help them grow. Fees may vary, but YMCAs offer financial assistance to include people who cannot afford the full fees for membership and programs. Get involved!

Find a program at your local YMCA:

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Youth mentoring programs

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children and teens reach their potential through one-to-one relationships with mentors in both community and school-based programs. Studies have shown these programs can make a significant and positive impact on a child's self-esteem, schoolwork, and relationships with family and friends. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country - including yours.

Inside, you'll find: