Portsmouth, Virginia-Local organizations are helping children and families move forward.

Jessica Lee is the project coordinator of Tidewater Youth Services. Public institutions and non-profit organizations support youth at risk and involved in courts.  

"Just because young people are changing, we also need family changes [because] the environment can sometimes be part of the situation, part of the problem," Li said.

Jenny Hodge is the executive director of the organization.

"We like to say that Tidewater Youth Service is a second chance," Hodge said. "Youth parole and probation are just to give them a second chance to do the right thing and get the support they need to succeed through the court system."

The organization provides resources for children and families, such as housing, clinical services, and community outreach and reintegration programs. 

"These young people have also experienced huge traumas themselves," Hodge said. "This manifested behavior is the result of the trauma and violence they may have seen, or it's just...the chemical composition in their body may be incorrect."

"They can get the services they need in a safe environment," Li said.

For children and young people, navigating through the juvenile justice system can be overwhelming. Lee and Hodge said they don't have to do this alone.

"We are a buffer zone for young people, able to explain the process and ask the right questions," Li said.

"We work very hard to maintain good relationships with judges, parole officers, and probation officers, so that we can become good advocates for our youth," Hodge said.

The goal of the organization is to help young people at risk maximize their potential and plan their future.

"They deserve it," Hodge said. "Our role as adults in their lives is to help build social support-that scaffolding-for whatever reason, they haven't given them a restart in their normal lives. chance."

"Their past is their past, and you can't change this," Li said. "How you act is the most important thing."

Chaoshui Youth Service Center wants you to join their next fundraising event. The 27th Annual Santa Shuffle 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run will be held at the Atlantic Union Pavilion in Portsmouth at 8:30 am on Sunday, December 12. You can also participate virtually.

Visit the Santa Claus Shuffle website to learn more, register or donate.

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