Nuestra Comunidad:Program offers troubled kids education in discipline

For the hundreds of children and adolescents who’ve gone through a local education center, respect, honor and integrity are more than just a slogan — they are a means to cope with youth issues ranging from drug abuse and depression to bullying and a “you can’t make me” attitude.

Alternative Youth Academy located in Roswell uses that mantra along with a military boot camp style to help kids find self-discipline and structure. And for those who dream of serving in the United States military, the curriculum could be a step in the right direction.

Since its inception in 2010, the private facility has helped youth from throughout metro Atlanta, the majority of whom are Latinos. The program is the fulfillment of a life-long dream for its founder, Robbys Beltrán, a psychologist and ex-police officer who is a native of Venezuela.

“I love being part of this process where we help our young people to become who they want to be,” she said. “I have seen many kids leave here who are now productive members of society, and I feel an immense pride because of that.”

Alternative Youth Academy also serves as a beacon of hope for parents with teenagers who exhibit high-risk and rebellious behavior.

“My 14-year-old daughter would get out of the house and ditch school all the time and we didn’t know what to do with her anymore,” said Yasmin Rodriguez, a mother of Mexican descent who resides in Cobb County. “I enrolled her in the academy, and in a matter of weeks we saw a positive change in her character.”

AYA’s curriculum is specifically focused on youth with behavioral issues, according to Beltrán. In fact, the courts in Gwinnett and Fulton, among other counties, have referred troubled children and teens to the center. Through local government contracts and financial assistance, the goal is to help those who need it.

In addition, the academy works together with local and state authorities to counteract other problems in the community, such as the sexual exploitation of minors.

In one case, AYA investigators helped rescue girls last year who had fallen prey to human trafficking. One of these individuals recounted to Mundo Hispánico, a publication partner of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the nightmare she endured after being drugged at a party and sold to a group of strangers. With AYA’s involvement, the police intervened just as she was on the verge of being taken out of the state.

“It was a traumatic, terrible experience. I thought I was never going to see my family again,” said the 16-year-old girl who asked to be identified as Ashley. It is the policy of the AJC to not name individuals who are victims of a sexual crime.

For Beltrán, the ability to put young people on the right path is the biggest reward she receives from the program. Many graduates return to help the other kids going through similar troubles.

“It’s very satisfying to see kids who are reformed and return to their schools and families. That’s why we are planning on expanding, because there are a lot of children who need guidance and discipline and we believe that this is a good resource to help them avoid ending up in jail or doing drugs.”