Prevention and Responsible Choices (PARC) Program

On September 10, Quardez Warrior gave an update on one of the projects that is a cornerstone of the Meriwether County Rotary Club. 

The Prevention and Responsible Choices (PARC) Program, established in 1991, stands as a transformative initiative aimed at reshaping the futures of at-risk adolescents. This powerful program emerged from a collaboration between Roosevelt Warm Springs' Brain Injury Program, the Rotary Club of Meriwether County, and the dedication of the late Juvenile Judge David Turner and Probate Judge Idus Robertson. With deep roots in community service and youth rehabilitation, the PARC Program has become a cornerstone in the lives of many young people in West Central Georgia.

Focusing on adolescents aged 14 to 19, particularly those involved in vehicle-related offenses, the program takes a rehabilitative approach. These young offenders, referred by Probate and Juvenile Judges from traffic courts in Meriwether and surrounding counties, are given a unique opportunity: instead of traditional punitive measures, they participate in a one-day, life-changing session designed to foster growth and reflection.

Throughout the session, participants engage in carefully crafted activities that emphasize the real-world consequences of their risky behaviors, such as reckless driving and poor decision-making in dangerous situations. One of the most impactful elements of the program is the chance for these teens to meet individuals who have survived traumatic brain injuries or life-altering accidents. These powerful encounters drive home the reality that one poor decision can change a life forever.

The PARC Program’s mission goes beyond mere education; it strives for a deep and lasting transformation. Through personal stories, thought-provoking exercises, and interactive experiences, the program encourages participants to reconsider their attitudes, shift their perspectives, and ultimately make better choices. By doing so, it not only helps break the cycle of risky behavior but also empowers these young individuals to lead safer, more responsible lives.

Since its launch, the PARC Program has had an undeniable impact, serving over 1,300 teens. A formal evaluation conducted by the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health further highlights its success, revealing positive changes in participants' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. This evidence of real, measurable transformation underscores the program’s effectiveness in steering at-risk youth toward a brighter future.

By combining education with experiential learning, the PARC Program continues to be a vital resource for adolescents, offering them the tools they need to avoid future risky behaviors and make lasting changes. Through its commitment to accountability and its focus on real-world consequences, the program has become a beacon of hope and transformation for youth in West Central Georgia.