“Your life is worth living”: Nonprofit gives hope to kids in high-crime New Jersey city

A gentle beat of basketballs fills the air within the small city of Bridgeton, New Jersey, the place a summer season camp goals to show youngsters that there are alternatives aside from violence. 

The camp is a part of the nonprofit Life Value Residing, created by John Fuqua after his 18-year-old nephew was murdered in 2008. 

“The purpose was to show our children that there is alternatives,” Fuqua mentioned. “Your life is value dwelling.” 

Over the previous 15 years, Fuqua has labored with about 10,000 youngsters, instructing them life expertise to outlive in an space affected by crime. About 17% of youngsters in Bridgeton stay under the poverty line.

“Each child is given a chance to jot down their story, and what we need to be is an assist in that,” Fuqua mentioned. “So, we offer help for every part from faculty to mentoring, to something leisure.”

The camp is a refuge for 14-year-old Zaire Bryant. 

“I see folks with weapons and stuff,” Bryant mentioned. “I do not like that. That is why I simply get away from there.” 

Nationwide, firearm accidents are the main explanation for demise amongst kids, in line with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. At the least 880 youngsters have died to date this yr from firearms, in line with the Gun Violence Archive.

Jahzeer Thompson, 13, began collaborating in this system two years in the past. He mentioned coming to this system is essentially the most thrilling factor for him in life proper now. 

“John’s actually similar to a job mannequin,” Thompson mentioned. “He retains me out of hassle.” 

The nonprofit places on year-round actions from sports activities and music, to the humanities, giving the youngsters a goal, and serving to them set targets for the long run. 

“I stay in a metropolis the place we do not have a recreation middle,” Fuqua mentioned. “However we’ve a county jail, a state jail, a federal jail and a midway home.” 

It is helped youngsters like Bryant dream huge. 

“I need them to know that I will make them proud,” Bryant mentioned.