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Monday through Friday, when each young man enters the Intensive Day Program, his day is filled with transformational opportunities. The first class of the day could be an academic one - Science, Math, History or English. "At Ettie Lee, we place a high value on each young man attending school daily to earn credits and ultimately graduate. This one element - education - can be the key to one youth's transformation," says Donald Parrington, Ettie Lee's Director of Intensive Day Program.
The young men also attend group sessions that help each child cope with the stressor in their lives. Groups include learning how to cope without drugs or alcohol and how to manage anger. There are even Independent Living classes that teach the young men how to purchase basic items such as clothing.
In an effort to keep the youth's family engaged, Ettie Lee also hosts a Sunday dinner for the youths and their families. "We know that every young man will have greater success of staying on a positive track if their family, too, is part of the process," says Parrington.
Anthony F. recently thanked the staff for taking such good care of him and making him feel safe. If it was not for Ettie Lee, he would not have completed high school. He has received a scholarship to Cerritos College and would like to enter the Air Force and complete college. This way he can become a lawyer for kids that are in situations like he was.
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