GANGS: CULTURE OF CRIME DAY 5: Two former gang members speak out
Posted by:
JT Reporter Brendan O'Brien on
July 17, 2008 at
8:52AM CST
Sammy Rangel and Damian Dolley were in gangs when they were young. Both credit prison with helping them turn their lives around. The two now work with Racine-area youth, trying to keep them from the destructive lifestyles they led. To read more click on Day 5 at www.journaltimes.com/gangs.
What
do you think can keep kids from joining gangs?
Of course families are a given, but our current school system does not offer much in support for children NOT matriculating to college.
Our current educational structure is great for kids that know they're heading off to college, but I think many don't see the "need" for education because the current structure offers very little for the student who is not going to college.
We have some great programs (like the Automotive program at Park) but this district needs MORE programs like this one to help our children become responsible tax-paying citizens. More school-to-work initiatives, so our community's youth can get a job shortly after graduating.
Posted by: INDIANSHELL on July 17, 2008 11:03AM CST
Oh my gosh what a wonderful inspirational story!! This story just made my day and gives me hope for others in this society that people can change for the better!! God Bless you Sammy! Keep up the good work.
Sammy should be proud of his turn around and accomplishments....great story. Hopefully others will have a chance to meet him and learn from him. Looks like there is HOPE for some.... Of course some gang members are "lifers" as they say...ignorance for them is Bliss sweetwater :)
Awesome testomonies guys "God can bring you out of the darkness and into the LIGHT"
Posted by: anonomous1 on July 17, 2008 11:44PM CST
So many young people grow-up without a solid foundation. By the time they are teens their lives have spiraled out of control. The stories I have read about these two men lets me know that God can truly make a difference in your life; especially if you want to change. I would encourage everyone that cross the path of a troubled youth to speak a kind word, talk to them about God and how he can change the direction of their life. We must let children know that they can overcome the bad situation they're in. We must all work to make a difference in the lives of others.
Both men are just remarkable, and it is wonderful to see both of them giving back to help others following their early path. It gives me hope to see how dramatically Sammy turned his life around given his circumstances. I have the challenge of working with young people who come from very similar backgrounds. I have yet to understand how parents just "throw away" these children. Sammy's story gives me hope for the most hardened ones I have encountered.
Posted by: nobody cares on July 22, 2008 8:49AM CST
This is Sammy Rangel. I want to thank all the people who have called, young and older, all the people who blogged, all the people who have supported our efforts here.
Support from the community is essential to the change process. When I came to this city in 1999 I wasn't sure what to expect from others much less myself.
I have been embraced despite my terrible past. People from government have reached out all the way to the individual reading the articles.
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