One of the primary underlying issues to young people becoming involved in gangs relates to economics. Poverty and being on the verge of poverty can be a strong motivator for a young person to seek out any opportunty to provide the basic needs for themselves and their family - even if that means participating in illegal activity.

Modest Needs is a national organization that helps to make the small bit of difference that helps families and non-profit agencies walk the fine line of "making ends meet". I wish I could take credit for having discovered the organization, but alas I found out about the them through a new collaborative group I started participating with: The 2-1-1 Advisory Committee. For those not familiar the 2-1-1 Call Center in Fresno County is an information and referral service run by United Way Fresno County. You can find out more information about them and their services by visiting the United Way website.

But should you or someone you know find themselves a little behind and need a little something extra to make it through the month visit www.modestneeds.org see what they have to offer if they can help. And of course, please pass this information on to others.