Last night, CBS 2 Chicago news did a feature on R.Ed.I and how our own Leo Allen III has inspired hope to reverse youth violence in his school and in the community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 3, 2010
Contact:  Kimberly Farah
R.Ed.I Foundation
630-876-0100

STAND UP! Change Teen Statistics
The Economy’s Trickle Down Effect

CHICAGO, IL –How does the economy effect teens? The unemployment rate for 16 to 19-year-olds hit 25.9% in September, the highest rate recorded since at least 1948 (the earliest data the Labor Department supplies). This statistic only adds to the violence, drug, alcohol, internet and physical abuse, bullying, self mutilation, depression, suicide, sexting, pregnancy, body image, hate crimes, prejudice, and peer pressure that contribute to the escalating pressures that our kids face on a daily basis.  Clearly the news reports are confirming our kids are being challenged now more than ever.

The need for support, outlets and information to deal with the issues and threats are paramount. Kim Farah owner of Moves Dance Studio felt compelled to resurrect a project that she had worked on ten years ago in an effort to help and created “STAND UP! Change Teen Statistics”, a prevention-theater show to be a part of the solution. Preliminary research inspired by similar studies cited by University of Illinois Center for Prevention Research and Development and conducted by ArtGem, LLC  shows that the show is a viable means to provide help when 100% of the teen audience agreed that the show can inspire life change, 93% said they know someone who should see the show, 23% said that they were encouraged to seek help and 46% said that the show inspired them to change.  After its debut this past Fall, the show has been requested by over 30 schools and organizations.  Four school districts have booked it site unseen.

R.Ed.I. Arts and Education Foundation was founded to create this show and program.  R.Ed.I.’s President Kimberly Farah stated:  “Multiple efforts from a variety of resources are needed to truly make the difference for kids. The information in our show “STAND UP!  Change Teen Statistics” was compiled from interviews and shared stories of over 60 kids over the last 4 years.  The authenticity of the show, the fact that it speaks their language and is in a format that they understand and can relate to on a personal level makes this show a powerful and unique alternative to reach and provide help for teens.”

The cast is made up of a diverse group of teens including Leo Allen who was a student at Fenger high school where a teen was brutally murdered earlier this year. The experiences and first-hand understanding of the issues teens face are all represented in this powerful production.

After the information was work-shopped by the cast and supervised by Farah and Christina Biggs, who is a DePaul graduate and Chicago Theatre Building playwright. Diana Martinez former Director/Producer for Pheasant Run Theatre and current Chief Administrative & Marketing Officer for The Second City directed, developed and rehearsed the show to bring it to production level.  The one-hour show includes original pop and rap music that appeals to teens and includes poignant and powerful sketch-style vignettes which illustrate the pressures and obstacles that tempt teens in today’s world.

The program has the ability to honestly and poignantly challenge the issues teens face and open communication on tough subjects. It is designed to create awareness and understanding. The project includes follow up discussions and support group information for students, teachers and counselors.

Michael A. Jacoby, Former Superintendent, Geneva Community Unit School District and currently Executive Director, Illinois Association of School Business Officials stated,  "Stand Up ... Change Teen Statistics is an authentic and powerful project that will empower students to confront the real issues in their lives.  It will create a lasting impact on every audience because these are real stories from the lives of real teenagers performed by students who know.  It’s simply remarkable!”

Additionally, business leaders, community activists, and government officials have been intimately involved for over 5 years.  One board member involved from the beginning, Tradetec Skyline CEO Ken Buckman, commented "These issues are absolutely happening in all our kids schools...and most kids are too scared to realize they are not alone...that they can get help.  This show has tremendous and far reaching capability to reach kids in a way most other means fail.  That is why so many have so tirelessly committed countless hours and resources to making this show happen.  If you have kids, work with kids, or in any way affect kids, you have to see this show and its potential to make a big difference to those it is presented."

The talented, diverse and eclectic ensemble cast of 10 includes: Layla Simone of North Aurora, Taylor Myers of Wheaton, Dakota Rhodes of Chicago, Anastasia Arnold of Huntley, Leo Allen of Chicago, Darrien E. Burks of Chicago, Emily Delaney of Wheaton, Chantel George of Streamwood, Tyler Sone of St. Charles, and cast members and co-composer Paolo Nicolasin of Chicago and Yamil Rodriguez of Chicago.

The R.E.D.I. arts and Educational Foundation’s mission is to reach, educate and inspire youth to make positive, informed, intelligent, choices when faced with the variety of issues they will no doubt encounter throughout their developmental years. This not-for Profit Corporation has been developed to provide unique and effective prevention education programming for our nation’s communities, schools and youth organizations.

STAND UP! Change teen statistics is sponsored in part by Votre Vu Cosmetics, Tradetec Skyline, Sikich LLP, the Illinois Arts Council, NRS-National Restoration Systems, Artgem LLC, and Moves Dance Studio.  For more information please call: 630-876-0100 or visit www.redifoundation.org.