On Sunday, February 26, 2012 the Prevention Team of the Turning Point Foundation will take to the streets against drug abuse, violence and the loss of the lives of too many, too young.
Turning Point began this fight in 1990 and through the years has maintained a presence either through offering rehabilitative services, (residential or outpatient), lectures and presentations in schools, churches or wherever allowed, working along with the police to establish the U.S. based DARE program, making and fighting for policy changes in government and many other means.
Joint the Turning Point Xtreme Prevention Drum Band (TPXPT) and take your own personal stand.
Substance abuse and violence will never leave this island if it remains a popular part of socialization.
Too many adults and professionals entertain and encourage the use of these substances as a means to enhance social events and personal enjoyment; too many youth emulate the videos and music celebrities striving to be a part of the "bling" generation which is an unrealistic picture of "success"; too many families, broken by loose lifestyles and self-pampering have added to other factors to contribute to the present state of gang behavior and a false sense of community on St. Maarten.
Every year new programs and organizations arise to tackle these issues and the problem remains.
The bottom line is that each business, each church, each family and most importantly, each individual must make a personal commitment to accountable, positive lifestyles or the toll will continue to rise and the society in St. Maarten innocent and guilty will pay the price.
Each couple, each pair of parents, will at some point have to decide to sacrifice and stay together for the long haul for the benefit of their children, which they have brought into this world.
The majority of persons treated for drugs or persons incarcerated, when researched, will prove that broken homes are the most common denominator in a lifestyle of drug abuse and criminality. It is a harsh lesson for this community but one that must be visited head on if we hope to save our youth and our society at large.
The drum band members are also raising funds for new instruments for the drum band. Several companies have already committed to supporting individual instruments for use by specific drum band members.
A highlight has been the support of the Government of Saba towards one of their own, Mr. Alejandro Benders, who is a committed member of the TPXPT drum band.
It is a bold statement that these companies and the SABA government have made in supporting youth striving to live a drug-free and crime free lifestyle. All our members are also striving to life and remain drug-free and in some cases to become drug-free. They need your support today.
We still need a few sponsors to contribute at least $600 US or Fls. 1080.00 or 454.56 EU. New recruits to this drum band will commence on March 11, 2012 additional information will be on Community Billboard.
Take a stand to save a life it may be your son's or daughter's, or it may be your very own.
If you or someone close to you has lost a family member to this drug/gang lifestyle or if you want to stand with your children, your teenager, your young adult, your adult family member and stay committed to staying in their lives to see them through these turbulent days then Turning Point invites you to "TAKE A STAND!!! ... JOIN THE BAND" as we renew our stance against drug abuse and violence.
The march will begin this Sunday, February 26, at 8 a.m. at the Harold Jack Lookout Point and we will walk/march along with the TPXPT - Turning Point Extreme Prevention Drum band, all the way to the Mullet Bay Beach. Join us, come out and BE THE CHANGE it may save this and future generations of St. Maarten's youth.
