“Something must be done!”
How often do we hear that cry as people wail, moan, gnash their teeth and wait for someone, anyone to do anything? Way too often we cry out for government to step in and do something––all the while complaining that our taxes are too high.
One remarkable group in Maine answers the call.
The Friends of Long Creek is small non-profit group that serves a segment of the population that simply doesn’t get a lot of public sympathy when it comes to spending. They provide funding and services for incarcerated youth at the Long Creek Youth Development Center.
Led by James Willey and a corps of dedicated volunteers, the Friends of Long Creek raise funds, coordinate efforts with other groups and provide actives and programs that are amazingly successful in helping these young people prepare to return to life “on the outside” as productive citizens.
The Friends of Long Creek is a model of community leadership…
Here’s just a short list of what the Friends provide:
- Music lessons and trips to local symphony performances.
- Support for a College and Career Center.
- Lunches for kids touring college campuses.
- On site college courses.
- Funds to help residents transition to successful community life.
- Seminars and programs for personal development, culinary and theater arts.
- Support for athletic programs.
It’s difficult to get more money from the state to fund these programs. Understandably, many citizens feel there are other kids more deserving of funding––kids that haven’t broken the law, abused drugs or otherwise been a problem to the community.
The Friends of Long Creek see these young people through another lens. Instead of casting them aside and hoping for the best, the Friends understand that given the right opportunities, many of these kids will become successful and productive members of society.
They provide front-line community leadership that directly impacts the lives of residents and the lives of all of us as they help young people find a better way. By raising funds directly and working with other organizations like the Portland Rotary Club and Bob Crewe Foundation, this group saves the community valuable resources that can be directed elsewhere.
We too often fail to recognize or appreciate the efforts of people like James Willey and his remarkable organization. They don’t go out of their way to seek public notice. I can tell you from personal contact that they are selfless leaders who couldn’t care less about recognition or praise.
That makes them all the more deserving of just that.
Leadership is, above all else, sharing––a leader shares. This makes everyone involved in this program a genuine leader.
To James Willey and all the remarkable leaders at The Friends of Long Creek––
Thank You for Your Service to our community!
Learn more about The Friends of Long Creek and contribute to support their mission here.
Picture courtesy of sakhorn38 and FreeDigitalPhoto.net
