Julie Proctor: AMIkids Jacksonville marks 50 years of transforming lives of at-risk teens

Originally Published in the Florida Times-Union

Since 1973, AMIkids Jacksonville (formerly the Jacksonville Marine Institute) has changed the lives of more than 6,000 at-risk teenagers. Violence, trauma, and hunger are a part of their lives. Our motto says it all: “Separating a troubled past from a bright future.”

I joined the board of AMIkids Jacksonville in 2016 when I took a tour of the program and could see the sparkle in the eyes of these teenagers. They had a glimpse of how they could turn their lives around. They were enthusiastic about their academic successes and their newly found anger management skills. They looked forward to the special events they could attend (an incentive for positive behavior.)

Most importantly, they had hope for the future. I remember one proud teen stated that at AMIkids he learned, “how to be a man!”

Funded by the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Duval County School Board, and private donations, our program serves both boys and girls, ages 14-18, who have averaged 6.5 prior arrests. Although our youth may come from anywhere in Duval County, the vast majority live in impoverished communities that may not allow them to obtain the crucial life tools and skills they need for success.

In addition to a regular Duval County Public School curriculum, we offer mental health counseling, behavior modification, and job training. We offer construction skills training (NCCER certification) and ServSafe certification (from the National Restaurant Association). Among employers surveyed in the Jacksonville area, who have hired youth from AMIkids, 96% said they would hire the youth again. Employers also said AMIkids helped them meet their employment needs and they were enthusiastic about working with AMIkids in the future.

We are so fortunate to have the Propeller Club of Jacksonville as one of our major supporters. The Propeller Club advocates for the maritime industry in the Port of Jacksonville and has been a strong presence in Jacksonville since 1930. On April 10, the club holds its annual Spring Golf Outing at Hidden Hills Golf Club.

Funds raised from this major charity event of the year will go to support both AMIkids Jacksonville and the future leaders within the Student Port Programs. For more information, visit PropClubJax.com.