Quality of life

By Pedro Gonzalez

Libraries, recreation programs, and education enhance quality of life!

Programs offered by the libraries, recreation services, and the city parks for our children, youth and adults provide a variety of activities that make for life's enrichment.

The City has allocated its resources to maintain a great quality of life for residents. Events such as "Day in the Park" highlight what the City can offer. Service organizations join together as volunteers to fundraise for many worthwhile programs, serving society in many ways throughout the year and during this annual, unique day that portrays the cultural identity of the City. Children and adults participate through dance and artistic contributions, businesses offer products and services, and the School District and City personnel spend the day together serving the public.

To continue joining together in another setting, today's leaders need to engage youth in problem solving discussions, bringing their ideas about issues and concerns to the table. This will have a three-way effect. First, to have leaders listen directly to youth who are affected by the problems; second, to begin to see them as part of the solution and not just as part of the problem; finally, to grow leaders from their ranks that will be able to handle things as the next generation takes over.

The education and prevention programs that give options to those in need are a worthy investment to increase overall quality of life. Programs and services offered by the Community Learning Center, the preschool and after school programs are definitely needed by working parents. The services provide the means for residents to work, learn and progress. In a number of cases, change comes with a heavy price. Some of the programs mentioned may offer resources for those at high risk, such as for victims of domestic violence, or for parents raising their youth under critical circumstances. By accessing the programs, they can get referrals to appropriate organizations that can help them.