Substance abuse, community violence, unprotected sex, and early pregnancies have taken its toll in Guam’s youth.

Fortunately, Youth For Youth LIVE! Guam has been helping kids get over these problems. The program is a non-profit, community-based, youth-centered, youth-driven organization that promotes and educates teens from the ages of 11 to 17 on how to live a positive drug-and alcohol-free lifestyle.

Youth For Youth LIVE! Guam was originally known as the Dededo Drug Free Organization when it first started.

It was founded in May 1988 by Gayle R. Osborn and Barbara S. N. Benavente. Twenty years later, the organization is still centered on the belief that the youth are the leaders of today and have much to contribute to making positive changes in our island community.

The organization hosts a variety of activities and workshops such as anger and stress management, bullying prevention, team building, and suicide prevention. The activities and workshops also varies in youth-led where the kids lead the activity or adult-led where the adults teach the workshop.

Vera Jose, a 13 year old student from Jose Rios Middle School, talked about her first encounter with the organization and what it meant to her.

“I actually heard about it when I was sixth grade,” Jose said.

Jose described the organization like a second family.  She’s always feeling welcomed upon entering their facility.

“This past summer I joined the swim program, so starting in maybe late July or August that’s when I started actually coming to Youth For Youth meetings and that’s when I became an official member,” Jose said.

Located in the Behavioral Health and Wellness Center-Prevention and Training Branch (PEACE) office at the J & G Commercial Center in Hagatna, the facility always welcomes newcomers and volunteers.

“It changed me a lot like I’m an open person but not around a lot of people but when I come in the office and they’re all greeting me and hugging me, it makes me just feel like family,” Jose said.

Sean Rupley, 22, is an adult advisor for the Youth For Youth LIVE! Guam and also a University of Guam student. He has been a YFYLG member since 2007.

“The program is a very unique non-profit organization with the notion that the only way to empower the youth is through youth community itself,” Rupley said.

“Our youth officers and members are the change agents in their community. They’re the ones who go out and coordinate these outreach events, big events, and big programs,” Rupley added.

At the weekly meetings officers and members get together to talk about upcoming events and have office games and activities. The meetings is also a great place for new members to make new friends and participate in educational events and workshops.

“We always have new people coming in and it’s such a great experience to have that variety of kids just wanting to help out and to spread that awareness,” said Jan Michael Marin, 16, YFYLG Youth Treasurer and student at Father Duenas Memorial School.

For more information on Youth For Youth LIVE! Guam, check out their website at www.yfyliveguam.com or contact Sean Rupley at 689-0818.