Crisis in the Classroom: Teens That Care making a difference in the community

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Service to others is often highlighted as one of the greatest attributes of a person, and one of the greatest strengths of a community.

A widespread gift of service is about to hit Fresno this summer with the newest class of Teens That Care, a group that was recently inspired to serve by Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp.

It's an organization that was created to lift up our youth, and in doing so, prevent a crisis in the classroom.

While speaking to students at Clovis North, Smittcamp said, "The reason I'm still in this gig after 27 years is because I really want to contribute to making the community as safe as possible."

Each month members of Teens That Care get the opportunity to be inspired by community leaders to learn from them, from their jobs, and from their hearts.

Clovis North student Aleena Munshi said, "I think the most important thing about these meetings are hearing the speakers. I think it's important to hear their stories — gain some perspective on what they have to say."

In the last four years, Teens That Care has grown in its outreach to the community.

The group makes lunches and helps out at Saturday youth sports events, gives away bikes and skateboards, packs goodie bags for expectant mothers, bakes treats for teacher appreciation, salvages and gives away skateboards, serves at the Rescue Mission, supports the Fresno Police Department at the Blue Run at Woodward Park, and more.

"Our goal was to give our students, our teen members opportunities in the community to work hands-on with those they're serving," says Jenny Ganson with the non-profit.

We don't see this as a college resume builder. We are trying to teach them to be adults that serve with a loving heart.

Clovis North student Ava Monpere said, "Some of the things I've learned at teens that care is not only gratitude, but so many people are going through things at home. So it's important to be kind to everybody because you never know what's going on on their side of the fence."

"We should care. We should be taking a hand in how to better the community," said Aleena.

"You have to take that responsibility on," said District Attorney Smitcamp.

It's not just what's good for other people. It's really good for you.

In the last four years, Teens That Care have volunteered over 10,000 hours.

This year's class comes from a record pool of applicants.

The new class always begins volunteering in June and applications open in March.

Learn more about Teens That Care at www.teensthatcare.com.

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