Those who volunteer in Florida’s underprivileged communities with at risk individuals make an incredible difference in the lives of the people they interact with. Because of the way Florida is portrayed in the media, a glamorous party scene, many people do not realize that Florida has some poverty stricken low income areas where drug sales and gang activity run rampant. Organizations such as Kiwanis, the Boys & Girls Club of Florida and a number of shelters work to combat the negative influences that encroach upon these neighborhoods through positive reinforcement and interactions with both children and adults. The efforts of these organizations have been very positive in decreasing crime rates, lowering cases of substance abuse and helping build a stronger sense of community.

• Decreasing crime rates is one of the most positive contributions that private volunteers and volunteer organizations make to at-risk communities in Florida. There are many cases of violent crimes, as well as the sale and trafficking of illegal substances that occur within the state of Florida. This criminal element thrives because new generations are continuously exposed to it and repeat harmful patterns. But volunteers intervene into these situations, interrupting their ongoing cycle.
• Decreasing and treating substance abuse is another important element to volunteering in underprivileged communities in Florida. Substance abuse and addiction are a type of disorder, largely brought on by adverse experiences in a person’s youth. Substance abuse and addiction are detrimental to a person’s physical and mental health, and are wise to practice controlling and eliminating. Abusing illegal substances also represents a crime element that communities are healthier without, which volunteers impress on at risk individuals.
• Building a stronger sense of community within an underprivileged district is one of the primary functions of a civic volunteer. This may be achieved through activities such as community meals, restoring a park, painting fences or helping needy individuals with tasks they cannot accomplish on their own. This is important because a sense of pride in one’s community is the backbone of a strong, healthy community. This promotes positive interactions and stronger relationships than in a community with members that are closed off from one another.

Florida is a beautiful destination that offers many enjoyable and therapeutic elements, but it is also widely known for its party environment and loose legal system. The Miami area has one of the most popular nightlife scenes in the country due to the amount of wealth and vacationers in the area, and Miami’s police department and courts are known to lightly enforce laws. Growing up in an environment like this can be hard on children, and can result in disfunctionality if no one intervenes on behalf of the children. Here are some basic tips to aid in the prevention of disfunctionality in your child.

Children’s brains are like sponges, and though they are still learning good discipline, exposing them to crafts, hobbies and extracurricular is an excellent use of their time. When children are young is the best time to let them explore different activities, and chances are when they find one they love, they will be devoted to it for life. This is tried and true one of the best ways to occupy a kid’s time and encourage them to put their energy toward something worthwhile.

There are many organizations that are dedicated to providing kids with recreation, after school and during school breaks. Organizations such as The Boys & Girls Club and Kiwanis provide a facility for kids to meet at and recreational activities for them to take part in, such as a wide range of sports, games and events, books and literature and arts and crafts. For parents that want their child to have fun options and social time, these organizations are an excellent alternative to one focused extracurricular.

And lastly, the most effective way to keep kids from being dysfunctional is for their parents to stay active in their lives. A child who knows they are cared for will always come out better than one who does not. Parents should consistently talk to their kids about teen substance abuse and drug and rehab centers, school, peers, alcohol, sex and the world. A parent should also never stop listening to their child and making them feel secure. Florida is one of many places that can challenge a child’s burgeoning value system, but with the right amount of direction and love, a child will end up healthy, happy and ready to experience the world.