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Local mentoring program keeps kids off of drugs

By Staff Writer

Many kids who grow up in settings where drugs are readily available lack positive role models in their lives. This results in substance abuse for a number of children, but the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Nebraska is working to provide mentors to kids who could use someone to talk to.

Duane Becker is one example of an individual who chose to participate in the program to reach out to children in need, according to the Lexington Clipper-Herald. Becker enjoyed being a dad to his two sons, but when they grew up and moved out, he wanted to positively influence other kids in search of a mentor.

Becker has been a volunteer in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program since 2005. Many of the kids involved in the group are from high-risk neighborhoods, meaning they are susceptible to drug and alcohol use in their local community. As a part of the program, Becker goes fishing, hiking, canoeing and swimming with his little brothers, keeping them of the streets.

Drug addiction costs the U.S. more than $484 billion every year, according to the Department of Justice. Although drug rehab programs can help addicts, tackling the problem at a young age may be able to prevent substance abuse.

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