New Club Brings Out ‘Truth’ From At-Risk Teens

THOUSAND PALMS – She turned her own life around. Now, she’s encouraging other to do the same. Marla Carias, 13, is taking a stand against drugs, violence, and teen sex by launching an after school program called Club Verdad, or Club Truth.

“It’s sad to see kids on the streets doing bad things,” Carias remarked. “But I thought since I am here, I can help them out…I just want the truth out of them.”

Marla is a student at Stepping Stones, the Valley’s only school for at-risk youth. As an assignment, Pastor Darrin Erb, the program’s coordinator, challenged Marla to use her leadership skills to make a difference.

“I said, ‘Where would you lead people?'” Pastor Erb recalls. “She told me, ‘away from drugs.'”

And there came the idea for Club Verdad, a place where teens hang out, do homework, play games, and listen to each other.

“They can step in and support, encourage, and help each other,” said Pastor Erb. “As opposed to being forced, they are inspired.”

Theteens at Club Verdad were once considered “at-risk” withsome struggling with grades, behavior issues, or drugs and alcohol. But that’s all changed and they want to help other kids change too. This program aims to get teens off the streets. Anyone is welcome, but they must follow the rules. That means no cussing, violence or sexual activity.

Marla hopes this club adds missing pieces to the lives of struggling teens making them successful and complete.

“If we plant the right seeds, we grow the right trees.”

Club Verdad is in need of donations. They’re looking for games, tables, couches, and other items to make the club more fun. You can contact Pastor Darrin Erb at pastordarrin@netzero.comor call 760-902-1374.