Community Reps Mentor Youth at Macon Behavioral Health System

Macon Behavioral Health System recently welcomed two key community members to speak to its Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) clientele. Tony Lowden, executive director of Campus Club, spoke on Jan. 21, and Solomon Green, Jr., a probation officer with the Georgia Department of Corrections, spoke on Feb. 18. Both speakers discussed how the decisions people make during their youth can have lasting outcomes—both positive and negative.

Macon, a full-service behavioral health facility, works closely with the Georgia DJJ to help troubled youth manage their anger and moods, regulate their behavior and improve their overall social functioning. Both Macon and the Georgia DJJ believe this small sector of the community is comprised of significant individuals that just need a little assistance, and both organizations play a key role in helping these youth overcome the obstacles they face so they may become a contributing member of society.

Lowden shared stories about his past and present with the DJJ student population. He explained how he managed to survive and thrive despite the adverse conditions he encountered growing up in Philadelphia. After playing collegiate football and professional baseball, Lowden eventually ended up in Georgia. He currently works with the inner-city youth in Macon through Campus Club, an afterschool Christian ministry that works in collaboration with many local churches to provide tutoring and educational assistance to the community’s youth. In addition to the educational aspect, Lowden and Campus Club provide Macon youth with structure and support through adult mentors in hopes to keep them in school and out of potential gang-related activities.

A member of the Macon judicial circuit, Green explained to the DJJ students how the judicial system works and how the decisions they make can impact their futures. His message centered on substance abuse, paying particular attention the legal and social consequences of using or selling drugs while either a juvenile or an adult. By sharing his background of good decisions, Green encouraged the students to do the same to avoid the costly repercussions, which only worsen if convicted as an adult. To avoid the drug scene, Green promoted various activities that can keep students safe and help them make wise decisions. In particular, these activities provide structure for the students—something that Green benefited from as a youth in order to make the right choices.

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