Prisons are hidden and expensive...Hope is always available and free!

This Thursday (Feb 12) I will be driving to the Ionia Correctional Facility to testify at the parole hearing of a good friend of mine, Jeremiah Jackson (age 20). My wife Carrie and I mentored Jeremiah for about the last 5 years. From the time we first met him and until today, he is one of the most kind and considerate young men we have ever met. He was always honest, polite and extremely likable.

He is also a great artist...a sensitive writer...and an incredible athlete and dancer.

Due to some bad decisions, Jeremiah ended up being sentenced to 4 years in a Michigan prison because of a series non-violent crimes.

I bring up Jeremiah's story because I believe it demonstrates the dilemma many "at risk" kids face. They are born into a world of violence, disfunctionality and abuse and lack the support and/or tools to escape.

From day one, Jeremiah was clear about what he wanted. He didn't want money or any material things. He only wanted "a family." He wanted a support system that could keep him on the straight and narrow path. Like everyone else in our world...he wanted to be loved.

This is why I believe the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation is without a doubt one of the most important non-profit organizations on the planet. We are the family when there is none. We are committed to give love and support to kids who need it.

We are committed to give kids like Jeremiah activities and programs (reading, writing, art and nutrition) that can fill the void left on the streets. We are committed to give kids the tools to stay off drugs and off the streets and escape the trappings of a life of crime.

A small investment when kids need it most can save our society billion and billions of dollars, attempting to house and rehabilitate criminals. The world needs all of Jeremiah's talents....we do too!

Oddly enough, in prison Jeremiah survives by reading great books, painting and exercise. During our many phone conversations from his prison cell, we picture a better life in the future. I always remind Jeremiah that "it does not matter where you are from...it matters what direction you are headed."

Say a prayer for Jeremiah... I know he will be doing the same for you. See him free, productive and happy and using all of his God given gifts!

Prisons are expensive and hidden...hope is always available and free.

This is why we do what we do!

John J. Schalter

Board President

St. Clair Butterfly Foundation