Young men from AMIkids Beaufort helped to make a difference in South Carolina recently by working with staff and residents at Helena House assisted living in Port Royal.
The effort is part of “Restoring Carolina Through Youth Service,” a statewide project of the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice. AMIkids Beaufort, formerly known as Beaufort Marine Institute, provides a second chance at a future for young men involved in non-violent crimes.
The residential, non-prison cultured facility in Dale provides not only education but numerous experiential educational components, treatment and behavior modification. AMIkids also partners with eight community service projects throughout Beaufort County.
In the past 12 months, 21 AMIkids Beaufort participants have earned their GEDs and seven of those students have pursued higher education throughout South Carolina. One of those students will have the opportunity to enroll through online college courses at AMIkids Beaufort for the first time.
“It’s an honor and a privilege for these young men to help at Helena House,” said Mike Ingram, chairman of the AMIkids Beaufort Board of Directors. “I know the young men learn an awful lot by helping the seniors there, and I hope the residents enjoy being with us as well.”
The goal of the “Restoring Carolina” project is to make significant contributions to the community, afford an opportunity for Department of Juvenile Justice staff to model good citizenship and to provide an opportunity for young people to give back to their community.
“We seek ways for our kids and our staff to involve themselves in the community, to help make a difference,” said James Rivers, executive director of AMIkids Beaufort. “They have to earn the privilege through good grades and better behavior, but they’re all on the right track.”
Locally, AMIkids Beaufort participants will provide painting and landscaping assistance at Helena House. In groups of four to six, they’ll also help residents enjoy social activities such as fishing, an ice cream social, playing bingo or going shopping, Rivers said.