The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

TO SAVE A LIFE is now in over 400 screens in theaters nationwide. To Save A Life is a powerful Indie movie about the real-life challenges of teens and their choices. But it's more than just a movie-it's a feature-length film with follow-up opportunities like a youth group curriculum and a teen devotional centered around the biblical concept that we're never more like a Higher Power than when we are reaching out to the hurting and lonely. Watch trailer below. At some point, every teen has to decide: "What's my life going to be about?" To Save A Life dares to bring that question into their world, encouraging them to answer it with boldness and honesty. ABOUT TO SAVE A LIFE An all-star athlete and his girlfriend find their lives spinning out of control when Jake loses a childhood friend. Help comes when he reaches out to others who are hurting, and he realizes some people are just dying to be heard. The movie asks... How far would you go? How much wou...

After one of the most horrific acts of violence by teens in South Florida, which left 15-year old Michael Brewer with burns over two thirds of his body, 3 of the 5 teenagers accused of this despicable crime will be tried as adults. This is a strong and solid message by Broward Circuit Judge Lee Seidman . What type of child or teen does this unconscionable act to another person? It is very disturbing to believe this type of violence exists and that bullying can reach a level of nearly killing another person. Should minors be charged as adults? In some instances, such as this one, many believe that to be true. This crime was so heinous that adults have a hard time comprehending how anyone could do this to another person. As a parent we need to take the time to talk with our children about this incident. Open up your lines of communication, talk about bullying , discuss consequences and answer their questions and concerns honestly. Neighbors 4 Neighbors has created the Michael Brewer Fu...

Violence among kids and teens has made headlines in South Florida this week. As parents, educators and others that work with today’s children, we need to take steps to help prevent these violent incidents. Communication is key, however difficult. It starts at home, what can you as a parent do to help? As a Parent Advocate , I have always encouraged parents to get to know who your teen’s friends are, who are they hanging out with? Not only in school but online! Where is your child surfing in space? Do you know the websites they are frequently visiting? It is time to be an educated parent which can lead to a safer teen. Here are some quick tips to think about and put into action: • Get to know your teen’s friends. Take an interest in them. Ask them about their siblings and their parents. Do they have the same hobbies/interests as your teen? • Take the time to call the parents, introduce yourself. If your child is spending time with their child, I am confident they will appreciate gett...

Criminal Activity: A Teenage Phase? Criminal Activity and Your Teen For many kids, adolescence is a trying phase of life. Body changes, school pressures, and personality changes can be very overwhelming to your teen when occurring all at once. Because of these pressures, adolescents can be more susceptible to things like peer pressure. Whether it’s out of a desire to fit in or stand out, your normally levelheaded teen can be easily pressured into committing dangerous and illegal acts they might never otherwise consider. Sometimes, these activities are relatively harmless, and can include things like dying their hair a bold color, or cutting a class or two. But often, many teens find the desire to fit in so strong they are willing to compromise their own morals to be part of the ‘in’ crowd. They may be more likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol, or commit other criminal activities, all for the sake of ‘fitting in’. Though there are many dangers your teen may encounter, this site de...

It comes to a point where you are almost afraid to turn on the news. Kids with guns, teens shooting teens, threats, bullying and more - it is time for parents to take the time and learn more. Talk to your kids - open those lines of communication. Raising kids today has become more challenging than ever. I hear from parents almost on a daily basis and I am stunned at what these kids are learning and doing at such a young age. Source: Connect with Kids Can Students Prevent Violence by Telling? “He was saying ‘I’m gonna kill people,’ everyone took it as a joke. I can’t say that I would take it any differently.” – Joanna, 15, talking about the school shooting in Santee, California A student who seems strange, a comment that sounds frightening … how can students tell who’s serious and who isn’t, what’s a joke and what’s a real threat? The problem is students say those kinds of ‘jokes’ are made all the time. “I’ve had friends who were just like, ‘man I just want to kill that teacher’ or ‘I ...