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Gabriel · 03-01-2004, 03:14 PM

Fledgling auto program paves new path for youths

By Melissa Moy

STAFF WRITER

BYRON - Probation counselor John Martin exudes a tough-love persona, but he believes in second chances for troubled teens.

He is playful but also stern when he interacts with youths at the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility, formerly the Byron Boys Ranch. He wants the teens to succeed, but he makes it clear that he's not there to coddle them.

Martin, a former auto mechanic, has turned his passion for cars into a vocational program at the detention center. Last week, one of his first students to graduate from the program was offered a technician position at a dealership.

"I want to take kids that are serious," Martin said. "Are they really motivated? I want someone who lives and breathes and drinks cars like I do. I want to take his energy and focus it, and facilitate some change."

About a dozen of the center's 100 youths are involved in the auto program, Martin said. If he had extra volunteers and tools, Martin could allow more teens to join. Until then, another dozen are on a waiting list.

"We've noticed a real rise in those kids that are involved in the vocational programs. They feel they really have learned something here that's going to give them a chance to turn things around in their lives," said Superintendent Jim Matheron.

Martin has been teaching the teens basic skills, oil changes and auto inspections, and more complex work such as water-pump and steering-column replacements, and brake and fuel-line repairs. The teens provide free labor when they work on the detention center employees' cars. The employees provide the parts and usually make donations to the program.

Martin also has taken them on occasional field trips to a dealership and they go "junkyard diving," where he shows youths how to find parts and haggle for them.

Delta Vista High Principal Joe Chapot, who runs the center's school, praised Martin for his efforts. "He could just be a counselor, and make sure the kids get fed and are cared for. ... He has found a way to help kids, above and beyond."

The teens are focusing on vocational skills rather than street life and gangs, Chapot said.

Chris and Marco, both 17, have enjoyed working on cars for nearly five months.

"The days go by faster," said Marco, who grew up around cars. "It gives me more motivation and experience."

Martin is helping Marco apply for a top auto school so that Marco can achieve his dream of working with custom cars.

Chris had never worked on cars before he met Martin. He now wants to become a lube technician once he leaves the detention center. Chris said he wants to be on his best behavior, so he won't have to miss out on special field trips and auto privileges.

Martin is a good teacher, Chris said. "He explains it in ways we can understand," he said.

When Martin was young, fixing cars was a healthy diversion, he said. "I was an outcast at school, kind of a knucklehead. It gave me confidence," Martin said.

Developing the auto program has been a challenge. For three years, Martin has had to scrounge for parts and tools. He and volunteer Oliver Hale have sought grants, donations and facilitated car washes to raise money.

"Most don't have a male influence in their lives. They come from broken homes," said Hale, who enjoys tutoring the teens and raising money for the program.

Last fall, the program became a reality. Chapot redirected a $4,000 vocational grant toward it. The youths now have limited tools and a toolshed.

Martin rattles off a wish list for the program: a hydraulic lift for cars, welding equipment, hand tools and a four-car carport.

"This is not like starting a baking class. You need the right tools," Martin said.

Despite the constraints of this fledgling program, Martin is excited about new opportunities for the teens.

"I was so happy. I near jumped out of the roof," Martin said of the paroled teen who has a job offer. "He's had a tough life, and he's never been exposed to a (better life). He's seeing a world beyond drugs, gangs and violence."

Reach Melissa Moy at 925-779-7139 or [email protected].

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/...od/8054965.htm

03-01-2004, 03:14 PM	#1
Gabriel Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: So*Cal Posts: 4,789	My bro in the newspaper... Fledgling auto program paves new path for youths By Melissa Moy STAFF WRITER BYRON - Probation counselor John Martin exudes a tough-love persona, but he believes in second chances for troubled teens. He is playful but also stern when he interacts with youths at the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility, formerly the Byron Boys Ranch. He wants the teens to succeed, but he makes it clear that he's not there to coddle them. Martin, a former auto mechanic, has turned his passion for cars into a vocational program at the detention center. Last week, one of his first students to graduate from the program was offered a technician position at a dealership. "I want to take kids that are serious," Martin said. "Are they really motivated? I want someone who lives and breathes and drinks cars like I do. I want to take his energy and focus it, and facilitate some change." About a dozen of the center's 100 youths are involved in the auto program, Martin said. If he had extra volunteers and tools, Martin could allow more teens to join. Until then, another dozen are on a waiting list. "We've noticed a real rise in those kids that are involved in the vocational programs. They feel they really have learned something here that's going to give them a chance to turn things around in their lives," said Superintendent Jim Matheron. Martin has been teaching the teens basic skills, oil changes and auto inspections, and more complex work such as water-pump and steering-column replacements, and brake and fuel-line repairs. The teens provide free labor when they work on the detention center employees' cars. The employees provide the parts and usually make donations to the program. Martin also has taken them on occasional field trips to a dealership and they go "junkyard diving," where he shows youths how to find parts and haggle for them. Delta Vista High Principal Joe Chapot, who runs the center's school, praised Martin for his efforts. "He could just be a counselor, and make sure the kids get fed and are cared for. ... He has found a way to help kids, above and beyond." The teens are focusing on vocational skills rather than street life and gangs, Chapot said. Chris and Marco, both 17, have enjoyed working on cars for nearly five months. "The days go by faster," said Marco, who grew up around cars. "It gives me more motivation and experience." Martin is helping Marco apply for a top auto school so that Marco can achieve his dream of working with custom cars. Chris had never worked on cars before he met Martin. He now wants to become a lube technician once he leaves the detention center. Chris said he wants to be on his best behavior, so he won't have to miss out on special field trips and auto privileges. Martin is a good teacher, Chris said. "He explains it in ways we can understand," he said. When Martin was young, fixing cars was a healthy diversion, he said. "I was an outcast at school, kind of a knucklehead. It gave me confidence," Martin said. Developing the auto program has been a challenge. For three years, Martin has had to scrounge for parts and tools. He and volunteer Oliver Hale have sought grants, donations and facilitated car washes to raise money. "Most don't have a male influence in their lives. They come from broken homes," said Hale, who enjoys tutoring the teens and raising money for the program. Last fall, the program became a reality. Chapot redirected a $4,000 vocational grant toward it. The youths now have limited tools and a toolshed. Martin rattles off a wish list for the program: a hydraulic lift for cars, welding equipment, hand tools and a four-car carport. "This is not like starting a baking class. You need the right tools," Martin said. Despite the constraints of this fledgling program, Martin is excited about new opportunities for the teens. "I was so happy. I near jumped out of the roof," Martin said of the paroled teen who has a job offer. "He's had a tough life, and he's never been exposed to a (better life). He's seeing a world beyond drugs, gangs and violence." Reach Melissa Moy at 925-779-7139 or [email protected]. http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/...od/8054965.htm __________________ ICQ#: 142295729