Rickey Minor Brings Awareness to Youth Homelessness by Supporting National GenWhy Project With Author Rich German

"I think it is important for people who are doing well and those who are recognized in the media (actors, musicians, artists) to get involved," said Rickey Minor, the former Emmy-nominated music director of American Idol.

Rickey Minor's support for the GenWhy Project will help make a difference. The National Coalition for the Homeless states that 1 out of every 3 homeless people are under the age of 18. Additionally, 1.6 to 1.7 million people under 18 will experience homelessness each year.

LOS ANGELES, June 21, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Musician Rickey Minor has joined author and LifeStyle coach Rich German to promote the GenWhy Project which brings awareness to youth homelessness in America. Together they hope to solve the issue of homeless youth, often described as an invisible problem.

Homeless youth are highly transient and do not want to be identified, notoriously underserved and under recognized. Author Rich German wants to share the stories of homeless youth (www.GenWhyMovie.com) to help people understand the ways to prevent traditional homelessness, and to help at-risk kids before they start sleeping on cardboard boxes.

Rickey Minor wants to help too.

"What kind of existence are we living if we don't help those who are less fortunate," stated Rickey Minor. "These youth are victims of circumstance; some are born into a situation of abuse, drug use, or to parents who just couldn't take care of them. They are kids and are often forced to fend for themselves; just the psychology of being alone is traumatic."

"These kids just want a sense of normalcy. You see the faces that are just shouting out "help! If people would stop and put themselves in the position of these youth, they would immediately feel a connection and a sense of urgency," added Minor.

German has discovered a way to use his success, accomplishments and education to build social capital while living his dreams and doing good deeds for his community. The GenWhy Project, created to build awareness of the 1.6 million youth in the U.S. who experience homelessness each year, is a reflection of German's core as a person and how he lives his life.

"The mission of the GenWhy Project is to give that same opportunity to every single homeless youth in the United States. We must let these children know they are not alone," said German.  "We must give them the same opportunities most of us take for granted.  We must not rest until every child is given the opportunity to thrive."

"Recently in Chicago, I met with a group of gay and lesbian street-based young adults at the Center on Halsted," German recalled.  "The room was full of justifiably angry, abused, pessimistic, confused people . . . most cast out of their homes by families who despise their sexual orientation. Fortunately the Center provides a safe haven for them to spend time and learn."  

German continues, "It was a true honor to work with this group. I want to have this happen to other youth around the country to eventually wipeout the tragedy of youth homelessness in this country."  

And for German, it remains personal . . . especially after his visit home to Chicago last week. He has skills that can be used to help homeless youth cope with their lives and some of the issues that brought them to their state.  He has done this several times in his home base in California.

German continues to call attention to an important issue that affects millions of peoples' lives in a necessary and heartfelt way to help find a solution to help the youth that are left behind, living on our streets and that need our help. He hopes you agree and join him.

How Can You Help?

Like-minded corporations, major media outlets, individuals, organizations and foundations are encouraged to join the GenWhy Project because this generation needs help, needs a voice and needs solutions today. Get the word out, pass it on via Twitter, Facebook, email . . . any way you can. Go to www.RichGerman.com to make a donation, and get your free copy of Monetize Your Passion.  Rich German's hope is more will get involved in this campaign.

The goal is to bring much needed awareness to the cause, effect and situation around why so many kids become homeless and stay homeless well into their young adulthood. The GenWhy Project is building a community, creating a network of resources and engaging youth in the U.S. to become part of the solution.

Rich German's upcoming documentary film, Generation Why? will shine light on the young face of homelessness. German is creating the documentary film because youth homelessness may be an invisible problem but it is not an unsolvable one. German and his team are in the process of raising funds to complete the film.  The film will not only inform and educate all Americans about the issues facing our youth, but it will inspire them to care and ACT.  The influence of the film will be utilized to create strategic alliances with non-profits, corporations, coaches, educators, physicians, athletes, artists, and anyone else interested in contributing the efforts.  For more information on this critical project, go to www.GenWhyMovie.com

About Rickey Minor

Rickey Minor is musical director for The Tonight Show With Jay Leno and was the Emmy-nominated music director of American Idol. His distinguished resume also includes the Grammys and the Super Bowl, and he has collaborated with major recording artists including Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Ray Charles, Beyoncé Knowles, and many more. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Karen.

About Rich German

Rich German is recognized as one of the most accomplished and admired business and life coaches in the world. Rich is the author of the new book, Monetize Your Passion, which was released in September of 2010. Over 30,000 copies were in circulation after the first month of its release. Since 1999, Rich has conducted more than 17,000 individual coaching sessions and has led numerous training seminars for thousands of people. He is host of the popular video blog, - "Rich in Life" – www.RichGermanTV.com  Rich has discovered a way to use his success, accomplishments and education to build social capital while living his dreams and doing good things for his community. Rich German has the skills that can be used to help homeless youth cope with their lives and some of the issues that brought them to their state.  To that end, he visits youth shelters in each of the cities he has on his national book tour sharing his talent.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Dianemarie (DM) Collins  - DM Productions LLC  -  623.825.9122 Ext. 1  -  Email: DM@DMProductionsLLC.com to schedule interviews.  National availability.

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