Here's a statistic worth memorizing: it costs $70, 000 a year to incarcerate a prisoner, and $1, 000 a year to take care of a kid at a Boys and Girls Club. Failing to invest in prevention isn't just cruel to the kids ; it's cruel to the country. As James Alan Fox, a noted criminologist, says, "You can pay for the programs now or pray for the victims later." That category of "victims" keeps growing. It now includes us all. This sums up one of the greatest challenges our nation faces: the future of our young people. While we in Austin have much to celebrate, we are not exempt from the effects of poor school attendance, low graduation rates, increasing teen crime and pregnancy rates. In fact, Travis County ranks third in the nation in teen pregnancies, and first in second pregnancies among teen mothers! For several years I've been privileged to serve as Chairman of the Board of an organization that has a rich history of successfully addressing these challenges. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area devotes tremendous resources and energy to providing hope and opportunityto kids from disadvantaged circumstances. Every day, through proven successful programs and meaningful relationships with staff and volunteers, nearly 1, 500 Club kids are generating amazing results for our community. Here are just a few key facts: In spite of high school dropout rates for Latino and African American students, 90% of Club members graduate. Club members had a 15% higher overall GPA than their peers, and 87% fewer absences. More important, they have greater expectations for their futures. Texas spends $99, 000 per year for each child in juvenile detention. The Club spends just $200 on programs and services that are proven deterrents to juvenile crime. Club kids see firsthand the value of attending school and avoiding drugs and gangs, and are able to picture themselves as successful, caring and productive adults.
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