As part of our mission the Law Offices of Daniel C. Consuegra, P.L. is committed to giving back. As such the firm supports worthy causes that could use our help. This year the firm was a sponsor at the Tampa Bay Area Credit Union Kids Golf Classic to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay and its Project LEAD.
Project LEAD began several years ago with a single center, the Freddie Solomon Club at Nuccio Park in Tampa, and has since grown to eight Clubs serving troubled neighborhoods. LEAD focuses on at risk youth who otherwise lack sufficient role models. Specifically through LEAD members of law enforcement, sheriff’s deputies or police officers, mentor and counsel young people who might otherwise lose their way. At each LEAD center, a fulltime time law enforcement officer is on staff who bonds with kids and their families. The officer plays games, reads, mentors and is a friend to kids in desperate need of encouragement. Multiple officers are often on site giving freely of their own time and resources to help these young people reach their true potential. The results are telling. In the neighborhoods that have a LEAD presence the crime rate has been reduced by 48%. Further, kids who have been in the Juvenile Justice System, and subsequently recruited into LEAD, have 95% less likely of having another incident that might bring them back into the system. LEAD teaches kids to respect law enforcement, complete school, and become responsible and productive members of the community.
“LEAD not only saves our at risk kids, but the moms and families also become a part of the LEAD community” says Chris Letsos, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay. “LEAD helps young people and families trust the police and promotes a safe and healthy environment where there may have been hopelessness and despair.”
Many of us grew up with the Boys & Girls Club in our neighborhoods where we found a place to go, make friends, and develop good habits and social skills. Through Project LEAD and other initiatives of the Tampa Bay Boys & Girls Club, young people receive a step up and chance to really succeed especially in those neighborhoods that need the most help. We want to thank The Tampa Bay Credit Unions for Kids Foundation and celebrate the crucial role the Boys & Girls Clubs play in our communities.