Lighthouse Mission Brought Tears to my Eyes
Ben Vitale
The Lighthouse mission, in Bellport, NY, runs a Youth Program for children and young adults, that helps to bridge the gap between a street mentality, and a civil mentality that promotes positive thoughts and actions.
Unfortunately poverty breeds crime, guns, gangs, and drugs!
The lighthouse Mission is succeeding in breaking a vicious cycle of dysfunctional friends, and dysfunctional neighborhoods,
creating dysfunctional children and young adults.
The Lighthouse Mission runs Five youth and adult programs
for ages: 18 Months through 4 years old, Kindergarten through 4th grade, grades
1through 5, grades 6 through 10, and a young adult homework help group, up to
grade 12. Most of the children and young adults that frequent the mission are from local Homeless shelters. These days, the Homeless Shelter has become the norm rather than the exception. A countless number of hard working people lost their Jobs because of the economy. These days, the Homeless shelter is on everyone’s Radar Screen.
I was invited to observe the grade 1 to grade 5, youth
program session; and was completely “blown away,” with what I witnessed! The
children socialized under a closely supervised group of volunteers. I was
amazed to see Police Officers helping the children. Traditionally Police
Officers are considered “the enemy,” in dysfunctional areas. The constant
police participation in this youth program, has caused the children to perceive
the police as friends instead of adversaries.
I saw a young child
make a decorated paper bag, during a “craft session,” and give it to a police
officer as a gift. At this point in time, tears came from my eyes! The police
officer was also showing an emotional response; this simple gift was symbolic
of a positive change in the perception of the Police Department, by our youth. Not too long ago the area kids used to throw
rocks at the police cars; now the Police are being perceived as friends! How
wonderful!
The kids do crafts, play games, and are given food for
lunch. In many cases this will be the only food that this child will receive
all day.
Quoting Pastor Jim Ryan, ”Abuse, drugs, gangs, and crime is
a real part of these children’s
lives. We try to teach them that,
Just because you come from that crazy lifestyle, it doesn’t mean that you have
to be part of it.”
The Mission is a Christian based group; but instead of asking
the children to say a canned prayer, the children are asked to write their own
prayer! All prayers are entered into a “Prayer
book.” I was given the opportunity to read the Prayer Book.
One kid wrote “take care of my family. “
Another kid wrote; “keep my family safe and encourage me to
do better.”
Another child wrote; “Make my mom better.”
Another youth wrote; “for my mom to find a job.”
Another child wrote; “for my mom’s foot to get better.”
Another wrote; “for my mom not to get sick again.
Children may act awkward, and speak in a non- articulate
manner, but their minds are as sound as a rock. The prayer s above demonstrate
that these children are indeed reacting to their environment. Children are not at all disconnected or
stupid. Our children’s emotional stature could be more advanced than we give
them credit for. This is scary! Is it possible that all of us should have been
better parents?
This group is not like some of the mainstream charities that
show up with a food wagon for a week and soon disappear. The Lighthouse mission
is there for the people 365 days a year, every year. I cannot imagine an
organization more deserving of your support. If you can help with your monetary
contribution, please call (631) 758 7584; also look at their Web site for
program details; www.LighthouseMission.net
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