BJ started coming to our program in June 2001.  He was a faithful attendee through the summer of 2005.

BJ was 11 years when he first came to us.  Everyday after school he would show up after he had checked in at home. BJ's mother, Tonya was a single parent when he first came to us.  In the beginning, BJ had some issues with his temper and was pretty much a loner.

It was apparent right away that BJ took pride in doing things right.  He completed assigned projects and was eager to take on more. He helped me with projects that I was working on around the old building that housed our art program. In most cases, this would take place after the center closed for the evening.

I distinctly remember on one occasion where we were attempting to repair a lock on one of the display counters at the center.  I was having a little trouble and kind of showed my frustration.  BJ looked at me with a serious furrow in his brow and said, "If you move, I'll fix it for you."  So I moved and he fixed it.

BJ was a willing participant in most of the art activities; dancing, drawing, mural painting, paper mache', etc. but we had a time getting him to participate in the choir. He had a nice voice, but he just didn't like singing.  He performed in two concerts and that was it.

It wasn't long before you saw a change in BJ's attitude, especially when it came to working with the other students on team projects, etc.  BJ, in most cases, would be the team leader.  His quick temper turned into qualities that led him into being the helper and center leader, holding down horse play among the fellas.

BJ could also see the center from his house and he would peep out his window before going to bed to check and make sure everything was okay.

A way of generating funds for the programs is selling chips, candy, popcorn, soda, etc. and, every now and then, BJ would ask for credit.  The first time he asked for it, I questioned him and asked, "If I give you credit, when are you going to pay me back?"  He gave me a date.

On that day, he didn't come by at his usual time of 3 o'clock. Instead, he came by just before the center closed. He was frantic and said to me,  "Mr. Fox — sorry I couldn't come today. My mother had an emergency and I had to go with her, but I told her that I promised to pay you for the candy that I got on credit today, so we have to get back to pay him before the center closes." Needless-to-say the fellas saw BJ getting credit, and they asked for credit too. However, the results for them wasn't the same so no more credit was extended to them, only to BJ.  This turned out to be a lesson in life for the other young men. Keep your word and good things are subject to happen.

BJ's mother being a single parent watched him closely when he was out and about because of the area and environment.  But as BJ's mother Tonya, explained, she was glad that Live Up Art was in the neighborhood and was so close to her, because she knew he was in a safe place when he was at the center.  She also explained, she noticed how his temperament had changed and he wasn't so quick to lose his temper anymore since coming to the center. She stated, that BJ being at the art center when she was at work put her at ease.

During this past summer, BJ served as a Mentor in our 2005 Summer Art Program and, needless-to-say, he did an excellent job.

We haven't seen much of BJ this past school year.  He played football in the Fall and basketball in the Winter. He stopped by one afternoon to say hello while he was on his way to his basketball game.

There are others that have faired well in our program and have stories but not like BJ's.

BJ is a young man that could have gone in the opposite direction.  The art center and its programs were able to channel all of the attributes that were already there in BJ in a positive direction.  Maybe he would have found another outlet if we weren't here, and maybe he wouldn't have.

It's one thing I surely believe, there have been young men and women with the same potential as BJ but went toward gangs and other negative behaviors because they did not have a positive support system.  We have to give these young people a chance to prosper too.  Will you help us be there for the BJ's who are out there?  We need your support.