Children's Advocates Resource Endowment (C.A.R.E.) giving children alternatives to the street

The Bakersfield Californian | Saturday, Sep 27 2008 10:19 PM
Last Updated Friday, Mar 27 2009 02:48 PM

In my position as president of Children's Advocates Resource Endowment (C.A.R.E.), I took on a project with the Bakersfield Police Activities League to create a soccer program to serve approximately 300 at-risk children each year.

Through grants and donations we were able to build a field, provide 300 uniforms and provide all equipment including physical fitness equipment. From an idea on paper to the delivery of the check that paid for it all was a fascinating experience with many community businesses lending a hand.

The children served by this new program would never be able to afford participation fees or be able to buy uniforms. Now, they have their own field.

Over the years, this field and equipment located in an economically depressed area of the city will serve thousands of children and hopefully provide lifelong lessons in teamwork, competition and organization skills, instead of leaving children to roam the streets.

Jim A. Luff of Bakersfield is general manager of Limousene Scene.