Glover Kids Who Turned It Around :

Carlos. "God was on my side the day Angel Rodriguez came to my rescue nine years ago. I had been arrested for possession with intent to sell 125 bags of angel dust. Angel caught me just in time. I would have been a different person if he hadn't; I would have been dead or really hooked on drugs. With Andrew Glover's help, I received youthful offender status and didn't go to jail."

"I was too streetwise. My father left home when I was young and I felt that I had to play the role of man in my house, and felt pressure to support my mother and two sisters. I saw older guys in the neighborhood riding around in nice cars with girls, and I wanted that. I wanted money in my pocket and to be one of the guys. Angel helped me by showing me what it means to be responsible and to be a man. He told me that I didn't need friends who would use me."

"I've left the street. I dress completely differently now and have all new friends. I received my GED and completed a six- month audio and video production course at New Education Opportunity Network. Andrew Glover helped me get a full-time job at Tropp Printing in the city where I am receiving training to be a pressman. I'm looking forward to having a family one day. My goal is to go out and talk to kids who are hanging out on the street and help them find a way out."

Delores was introduced to the Glover Program by her lawyer, an old friend of the program who has referred many young clients over the years. It was difficult to believe that this very innocient-looking 14-year-old was capable of mugging another woman. Unfortunately, Delores did exactly that when out drinking with some older boys. They suggested she and a friend "rip-off some lady on the street".

Delores is the first to admit remorse about this one-time incident. She gave into some very powerful peer pressure. After several meetings with Delores, it was determined that she was not a typical law-breaker and the Glover Program could help.

Delores' Youthworker immediately arranged for her to attend a new high school, both to give her a chance to improve her poor grades and to encourage her to be more selective in choosing her friends. Her attitude improved dramatically, and she has been an eager participant in the tutoring classes and general counseling sessions she attends at eat Siegal Center. She even worked one summer as an administrative intern for the Glover Youth Program- her first paying job ever.

The Glover Program's work with Delores helped her steer clear of the dangerous activities she was being drawn into and to make intelligent well thought-out choices for what she wants to do with her life.

Rafael was 16 when he was arrested numerous times on drug-ralated charges, including possession and selling, as well as for driving a car without a license. Andrew Glover assisted in his court representation. Through the process of working together, Rafael's trust in us grew, and he began to take issues of personal responsibility more seriously. It is clear that Rafael, a quick learner and high energy person, simply needed some guidance and positive role models in his life.

After two years with Andrew Glover, Rafael has made enormous strides in acting responsibly. He no longer associates with his former friends, most of whom are substance abusers. He obtained a driver's license and now owns his own car. He has enrolled in school and is taking the initiative to transfer to another school that will allow him to pursue his primary interest of music.

Ricardo committed a drug-related armed robbery at the age of 18. A drug user since he was 12, this motherless teen became a scapegoat for his family's problems. After a while, Ricardo felt he couldn't rise above his label as a drug user.

We've been working with him for six months, providing him with a strict program of reform. He has been tested twice for drug use, and as passed both times. He sees a professional therapist every week, comes to rap sessions at the Siegal Center and checks in with us weekly. He spends his days in a full time training and education program with h Vocational Foundation. This summer, Ricardo got a job working concessions at Yankee Stadium- his first job ever. We're confident - as so is Ricardo- that he will be placed on five years probation.