I would like to share an extremely gratifying moment I recently experienced. I’m sure there are still several people around who gave unselfishly of their money, time and volunteer efforts to make the Attention to Youth facility a viable help in the 1970s. It was a temporary residential house for troubled and homeless youth of the area.

Walking down Main Street a few days ago, a nice-looking adult recognized and stopped me. He said, “I was a graduate of ATY.” He went on to express appreciation for help he received at a critical point in his life and how it was a turning point for him. He has gone on and has a steady job with DOW and said now he, himself gives to programs to help young people in trouble.

We can count the prison and welfare populations, but there is no way to have statistics for the ones who avoided that route by intervention at a rough time in their lives. Even though results aren’t always known, know that programs helping juveniles make better choices are important and do pay off both for them and society at large. Even though you may not see always see results they are out there.

Even though ATY lacked the stable base to continue operations, it is gratifying to know the two properties acquired for its use, are now still utilized for the public good by the Salvation Army.

RETIRED JUDGE WILLIAM M. ELA
Hotchkiss

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