Bill Rogers, a major contributor to Friends of Juvenile Justice, was recently honored by United Way of the Midlands as its "Humanitarian of the Year."  Mr. Rogers, for whom the Bill Rogers Community Connections Center was named, is the father of one of FJJ's founders, Louise Slater.

FJJ works to involve the community in enhancing the rehabilitation of kids "behind the fence" at the SC Department of Juvenile Justice.  We're so proud that the St. Andrews Rotary Club decided to help by starting what we all believe is the very first Interact Club (a teen version of Rotary) inside a youth correctional facility.  Not only that, but recently, the club worked with DJJ instructor Andy Broughton to create a video and submit it to Rotary's worldwide competition and THEY WON! Congratulations to Andy and his boys.  See the actual factual, world award-winning video by clicking here.

Headed to the movies this holiday season? May we suggest "The Blind Side" with Sandra Bullock.  It's the true story of NFL football player Michael Oher who plays for the Baltimore Ravens.  Homeless, a family took him in, introduced him to a quality education and the game of football and made all the difference in his life.  You can have that kind of impact when you join Friends of Juvenile Justice and take on the responsibility of mentoring a child.  These kids need caring adults as role models if they are to succeed.  Many of them have hardly ever heard a kind word from a grown up, and many have no one to look up to.  Our goal at FJJ is to increase the number of volunteers, mentors, auxiliary probation officers and tutors working with at-risk youth across South Carolina.  To find out more, call me at (803) 673-6513 or click to email me.  To see a short teaser (what they call a "trailer" in Hollywood) about "The Blind Side"  click here.  Happy movie going and happy holidays from all of us at FJJ!