When you think about assets, what comes to mind? Money? Investments? Actually, assets are anything that we own. In addition to physical items, assets can include aspects of our personality that support our lives, and resources around us that can help out when we need them.
When you were growing up, was there someone who made a big impact on your life? Perhaps it was a teacher who took an interest in you, a relative who checked up on you, or even a store cashier that remembered you with a smile. No matter who it was or what they did, their actions created a lasting impact on your life.
Now imagine you could have that kind of impact on a young person. Maybe you’re a neighbor, a parent, a coach or an employer. Or maybe you’re someone who can help in other ways. The adage that “it takes a village to raise a child” is true. We need a commitment from everyone to help children become successful adults — and as part of our efforts to prevent domestic violence, Sheltering Wings wants to make our community that village. We want to encourage everyone to create a net of environments, opportunities, and relationships that reach every child and youth.
An organization called the Search Institute has identified 40 positive experiences and qualities that enhance the lives of children and youth. These 40 factors, called developmental assets, have become sources of ideas and inspiration for improving the lives of young people and increasing their potential to become healthy, successful adults. And research has found the more of these assets a child “owns,” the less likely they are to engage in violent behaviors, use drugs and alcohol or become sexually active.
We’re building these assets into our programs for young people. If you’d like to know more about them and how they can benefit your youth-serving organization, school, church, or business, please contact Melissa Echerd at (317) 386-5061.
