Youth centers make a crucial difference in our communities, helping during latchkey hours while parents are working and school is out. These are the hours that kids have a higher chance of getting involved in crime or becoming victims of crimes.

We acknowledge that there are a number of services in our area but this story speaks of how the perseverance of one person can create change.

The North Area Teen Center failed last fall, but a hero stepped up. Jim Vargas’ story is what human interest pieces are all about, someone who cares and is determined to make a difference.

After two terms as President of the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, 17 years with Youth for Christ (YFC) and nearly a decade as Executive Director of the North Area Teen Center, Jim Vargas is very successful doing the community work he’s dedicated his life to accomplishing.

Serving his faith, his family and youth in the community is a special mission with its own rewards and pitfalls along the way. Unable to fund the North Area Teen Center, despite it serving scores of young people successfully each week, the youth service center located at the corner of Marconi and Fair Oaks was closed in 2008. Without hesitation in a threatening economy, Jim Vargas quit his job, gave up the Carmichael Chamber work and sprang into action to save the youth center.

Within a few weeks, Jim created a new non-profit foundation, developed a new Board of Directors and reopened a new youth service center in the same location, now called
The Wall.

Located at 6320 Fair Oaks Blvd., students must register, show valid school identification and participate in local cleanup and other community service projects. The Wall has programs for kids, teens and young adults up to age 23.

UPCOMING EVENTS

WHAT: The 3rd Annual Pat Walsh "We Care About Our Kids Golf Tourney" to benefit
The Wall Youth Foundation and After-School Center.

WHEN: Monday, May 11, 2009 beginning at 9a.m.

WHERE: Ancil Hoffman Golf Course, 6700 Tarshes Drive, Carmichael, CA.

WHAT AGAIN: 18 holes of golf on the beautiful fairways and greens along the American River; featuring lunch, cart and fees with registration. Proceeds go directly to helping kids "at risk".

The "We Care About Our Kids Golf Tourney" is sponsored in part by California Family Fitness, Century 21 Select Real Estate and Carmichael Times. Special guest players include members of the Sacramento Valley Broadcast Legends.

Donations are tax deductible (a 501C-3 non-profit organization). Learn more at: www.thewallcarmichael.com.

HOW: $100 per golfer, or foursome discounted at $360. Register in advance. Play is limited to forty golfers during this event and sponsorships are available.

CALL: (916) 482-2088 for information and to register before May 1, 2009.

WHY: Because taking a Monday off to play golf and help kids in the community makes you a "good sport" too!