Tony Everett: I believe children deserve a champion, someone who believes in them. By providing a positive role model who supports the development of their confidence and self-esteem, we can get these kids to believe in themselves. This will lead to an understanding of where his or her life is headed, making it easier for the child to make choices that reflect their future potential rather than the many distractions that surround them. Too many kids are making choices based on the here and now, and not understanding the consequences of those choices, which is creating a seemingly disengaged generation.
TE: The true inspiration to continue to develop the program comes from the lack of a male role model in my childhood growing up. My father was there physically, but did very little to mentor me into adulthood. This created an insecurity and doubt in my own talents and abilities, which in turn, led me to believe I was never good enough to be someone of significance or contribution. I learned early on how to keep a low profile and not be noticed, and this never allowed me to uncover my talents.
TE: Nearly 20 percent of OC’s 3 million residents live at or below poverty level. The highest rate of poverty is centered in the city of Santa Ana—which the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government concluded is the hardest city in the country to survive in. The adults in charge of most single parent and two-parent households are working to support their families, but they have difficulty adequately supervising their children. This leads to higher delinquency rates and makes youth more likely to drop out of school, get involved in violent activity and become teen parents. These kids need and desire a place to belong, where they are encouraged and made to feel welcomed.
TE: It has given me a greater appreciation of the individual. We all have gifts, strengths and talents, and by creating a safe, positive, encouraging environment, we allow children to explore their own uniqueness. Understanding this basic fact has created a desire in me to learn more about how and why children behave the way they do. Many times, we misunderstand the children around us and place labels on them—once they earn a label, they live it out. This creates a vicious cycle that can only be broken by retraining the child to believe the truth about themselves.
TE: I hope that they understand they have what it takes to be successful in life. I want them to understand they don’t have to live a life that the world defines for them. If they can take away that success in life is being the person they are capable of being, reaching their goals and feeling good about themselves—then we have done our job. They can then take responsibility for their own life and make the choices that will move them closer to the goals they set.
TE: It is very difficult balancing the time I want to invest in developing Pure Game, and my desire to be with my family. Clearly, family comes first, and this plays a key role in how I see the kids developing in the program. Without family, kids don’t grow up to be who they could be, so I spend time with my two girls.
TE: In many ways I take a lot from what I am learning in the field and practice it at home. It’s very important to me to create a home where my girls can feel safe to explore who they are. I see their development as markers for the kids in the program.