Abstinence Education Crucial to Youth Development

Mississippi Community Partnership, Inc. (MCP) recently conducted an abstinence education program, Choosing the Best, for youth at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi. The primary objectives of this program are to help 12-18 year-old students living in the Metro Jackson area to abstain from sexual activities until marriage and to maintain a healthy, monogamous marriage as adults. MCP is a community-based nonprofit coalition which provides technical assistance to faith-based and community-based organizations and schools within the state of Mississippi. MCP also provides substance abuse prevention training and cultural competency guidance.

Nedra Redd, Director of Program Development, believes the abstinence program complements BGCCM's overall youth development strategy.

"We teach our kids how to make smart decisions and how to stay healthy. Abstinence education is every bit as important as the alcohol and drug prevention programs we have. We're thankful to have partners like Mississippi Community Partnership to reinforce our message to youth," said Redd.
MCP's Holly Palmer says the kids at the clubs were very receptive to the abstinence lessons.

"Teaching in the Boys and Girls Clubs this summer was an experience that I will never forget. It was nice to see so many bright, young kids so eager to learn. I hope each student will take what was discussed throughout the abstinence program and apply it to their own lives. It was extremely fun and I am anxious to be a part of it again," said Palmer.

To learn more about MCP, visit their website at http://www.mscp.org/.
We have been the Positive Place for Kids in Jackson since 1936.

Something to Think About. . .

Sometimes a small decision can have a great impact. We see it every day at our 6 Jackson-area Boys & Girls Clubs. For instance, recently one of our teen members decided at the last minute to stay home instead of coming to the club. Later that day, he simply walked onto his front porch and became a victim of stray bullet from gunfire. He had no relationship with the shooter. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Most our members come from disadvantaged circumstances and many live in neighborhoods that can be very dangerous. However, at our clubs, the kids are safe. The clubs are a haven, where kids can take part in programs that will enable them to succeed in life, instead of being lured down the wrong path. When kids are at a Boys & Girls Club, they are at the right place at the right time.