SAFE has made our community aware of a growing problem, which we won’t succeed in halting unless we change the culture behind it—starting with the parents.
One of the many staunch supporters the SAFE organization has garnered over the years, Mr. Morris Bailey, delivered a dose of common sense. In an impromptu speech at the ever gracious home of Cookie and Stanley Chera, he went on to make clear that everyone is aware of the club scene out there, and that celebrities impact our youth—often to an ill effect. “There is a line we don’t cross,” said Mr. Bailey. “Many of our youth know it, but some just don’t.”
For those who don’t know it, the Cheras open up their beachfront home each year for an exceptional fundraiser. There, not only do philanthropists answer the call to keep SAFE going, but each year the breakfast highlights the undisclosed prevalence of drug addiction, alcohol abuse and extensive gambling in our community.
Clarifying the need to sustain SAFE was President Ike Chera. “We serve 100 clients and their families every week,” he said. “In addition, in September we will be serving in a supervisory capacity at community schools, and will conduct teacher training sessions.”
Despite the fact that 2009 has been an unprecedented fiscal year for just about everyone in America, Ike explained, “Never have we wavered from our original mission statement. Not when there is enormous pressure out there on our children. Not when underage drinkers are driving cars, not when kids— maybe your daughter—are getting a lift in that car.”
Hyperbole? We know it’s not. To bring the facts of the youth culture home to the older set, community educator Ephriam Setton, 22, also spoke. When he described the gritty facts, more than one parent was astonished. Who knew it took a matter of seconds to obtain contraband prescription drugs or that hotboxing (smoking pot in an enclosed space to maximize the high) or drinking vodka from water bottles all day long was going on? Well, typical teens do.
SAFE was the community’s first line of defense. “The world is not innocent anymore and our youth face challenges. They need guidance.” Summing up, Ephriam addressed the SAFE staff, contributors and supporters: “Thank you for your care and commitment.”
If you or anyone you know has an addiction problem, or needs to talk or learn more, please give us a call: 1-866-569-7233.
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Natalie Mizrachi is a community member and freelance writer.
