What do Bob Seger and Dale Carnegie have in common? Both are playing a crucial role to bring needed life skills to troubled teens this summer through the Dale Carnegie Teen Program at Children's Village in Pontiac, County Executive L. Brooks Patterson announced last Thursday.
Bringing the program to Children's Village is the brainchild of Brother Rice High School student Aaron Danish, who took the course then became a volunteer graduate assistant. He recognized how valuable these skills would be to at-risk teens. Danish suggested the idea to his mother, Dr. Myra Danish, a Children's Village Foundation board member. Together, they approached Bob Seger for his support.
"He (Seger) saw the importance of this immediately and stepped up to fund the entire program," said Dr. Danish, a Bloomfield Hills resident. "Bob Seger's support and enthusiasm were way beyond our expectations and we are so grateful."
Patterson agreed.
"I understand Mr. Seger prefers no public accolades. But when an individual steps up with his generosity to improve the likelihood that our at-risk youth will succeed, I just have to salute him and say, 'Thank you,'" he said.
The Dale Carnegie Teen Program has three main benefits, according to the younger Danish.
First, "is to build self-confidence, overcome fear and shyness, and maintain a positive attitude. Then, to learn how to manage stress and focus in times of challenge, so you make better choices. And last, to build interpersonal skills, communicate better and develop leadership skills," Danish said. "If kids don't have strong family or community around them in their teenage years, how else would they learn these skills?"
Dale Carnegie Instructor Kathy Tosian will teach all eligible teens at Children's Village in July.
Children's Village is the Oakland County's residential facility for children and youths who are in need of out-of-home services. Youth are placed in Children's Village by court order or by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Children's Village provides residential care and comprehensive treatment services for youth and their families. To learn more about Children's Village, go to OakGov.com/Village.
The Children's Village Foundation provides funding for extra-curricular educational programs as well as special projects and activities. The foundation is made up of volunteers from the community and every dollar raised has a direct impact on the children. For more information about Children's Village Foundation, visit CVFoundation.com.
Published: Tue, Jul 05, 2016
