At-Risk Youth

Mr Azcevedo was going through a very difficult period. While evacuated from his home from the Butte Fire his father died. a lot to take in at once for a young man.

He is a Native American and up until recently wore a long ponytail representing his heritage.

He became the target of bullies. When it became more than he could take he lashed out. His actions got him removed from school. Fortunately the judge landed him in a cummunity school rather than juvenile hall.

Richard and William were adopted by a caring father figure. Because William was learning disabled he was often picked on by other kids. His brother Richard would always defend him but this led to Richard getting into trouble in most cases.

Through their training Richard was able to learn to settle problems more efficiently and without the use of violence. The skills and confidence he has learned has served him well and he no longer gets into trouble for fighting.

Douglas and his sister Rebekah spent their early years in the foster child system. Their parents were incarcerated. When they eventually settled into a stable environment (the family eventually adopted them) they were sponsored by the Sheng Chi Foundation.

Rebekah learned a great deal of self control through her training. Her discipline which was developed through the program spilled over into her schoolwork and other activities.

Douglas and his sister Rebekah spent their early years in the foster child system. Their parents were incarcerated. When they eventually settled into a stable environment (the family eventually adopted them) they were sponsored by the Sheng Chi Foundation.

Douglas and Rebekah exhibited many tendencies brought on by abandonment and the stresses of instability. Eventually they were able to develop confidence in themselves. Through their training they developed a strong work ethic. Douglas was able to curb his former violent tendencies.

Rachel came from a frightening background. As a young girl she endured a very unsafe violent environment.

When she was first sponsored she was very shy and suffered from extreme low self esteem. We saw her blossom as a young lady and developed a great deal of self confidence. She was completely transformed once she found out she could excel at her training.

Rachel's family eventually moved out of the area but we hope the confidence she has gained will stay with her for a lifetime.

Genet was the first of our sponsored youth. Our success with her became the driving motivation behind the Sheng Chi Foundation.

Genet came from a background of poverty. Her family was homeless at times and relied on the charity of others and the state to survive.

Genet began hanging around at a very young age of 6. Being too young to participate at the time she would watch class and practice what she had seen in secret. When we finally invited her into class a year later she already knew the beginning levels and quickly passed up the other students in class.