Criminal Justice Commission Sponsors New DEFY Project

West Palm Beach Weed and Seed participants Zaquandria Davis (left) and Jazzmine Arzola are eager to "hang ten".

West Palm Beach Weed and Seed participants Zaquandria Davis (left) and Jazzmine Arzola are eager to "hang ten".

In late September, 37 participants in the Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program took surfing lessons and participated in a beach cleanup in Boynton Beach.

The young DEFY participants were escorted to surf camp for the day by their mentors, officers and staff from Delray Beach, West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach police departments. The all-day program was an opportunity to expose these young people to new forms of recreation.

“The purpose is to provide mentoring opportunities, as well as fun activities, and to reinforce the skills learned over the summer,” said coordinator Rosalind Murray.

The local DEFY program is part of a national network sponsored by the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission.

Another goal of DEFY is to instill confidence and self-assurance in young people through physical exercise. During the beach clean-up, they learned about the sensitivity of Florida’s ecosystem. Participants were also instrumental in organizing a canned food drive for the Caring Kitchen of Delray Beach.

Involvement in such responsible activities adds to the development of positive adolescent character and behavior, said Murray. It was an awesome and inspiring day!

The Criminal Justice Commission and its 33-member board support prevention and intervention as part of CJC’s primary mission. For more questions about the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission, please call 355-4943.