Teens Invited ‘To Save A Life’

SIDNEY – Have you talked to your teen lately? Do you know the issues they face? Speaking with teens can seldom be an easy task, even though there are more ways to communicate today than ever before.

There is no shortage of peer pressure in society, and there are no shortage of issues. From sex to drugs and grades to independence, the pressures of a teen can feel immense. That’s why it’s important to talk about the issues.

To help facilitate the flow of communication, ADC’s Janet Rosenbaum has been hard at work getting a 2009 film to show in town at a reduced price for one night, followed by a discussion meeting. The film, “To Save A Life,” deals with many issues in a teen’s life – including suicide.

“It has a lot of information,” Rosenbaum said. “It has that portrayal of what they’re dealing with in real life. I thought it was important.”

“To Save A Life” follows main character Jake’s plight to answer questions about life after he witnesses his childhood friend’s act of suicide. Asking himself if he could have prevented Roger’s death, Jake  reaches out to the next “Roger” and discovers that crossing class castes could threaten all his world is built on. Jake then asks himself what he wants his life to be about.

“‘To Save A Life’ is more than a movie,” the film’s Web site states. “It’s the difference you can make when you use your influence and time for others – whether in your family, neighborhood, campus, community or world.”

An opportunity to discuss the film with a panel of adults will be available following the Sunday night half-price showing. Teens will be invited to the Elks Lodge for snacks and discussion. Panelists include Holy Trinity Church pastor’s wife Deb Misner, Crisis Management member Mary K. Brauer, Dr. Jeff Akerson and Jane Easterly, Rosenbaum said.

According to Rosenbaum, the area has seen a spike in teen suicide rates in recent years, and believes the film will help show teens they are not alone as they meet life’s challenges and overcome difficulties.

Rosenbaum said donations are still accepted to help further reduce the cost of the movie for teenagers on Sunday night. ADC, Transformations and Stoll’s are among the businesses that have already contributed to the evening, she said.