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March 28, 2010

'Gang whisperer' interprets for those wanting to help

Petula Dvorak:

The teens lean all the way back in their chairs, so low they're like tables. Hats are down tight; they won't take them off no matter how many times you ask.

Arms are crossed. They never look right at you. They're mean muggin'. Hoodies go up. You don't exist.

You can call them street kids, at-risk youths, gang members, crew members, juvenile delinquents, abused children, thugs, rebels, whatever.

When you're one of those people who are there to throw them a lifeline, to show them someone cares, to give them a chance, to try to make a tiny opening in that closed-off, scary world they are sealed shut in, sometimes all you can call them is frustrating.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at March 28, 2010 1:01 AM
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