"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, July 19, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When musician Rickey Minor first met author and LifeStyle coach Rich German and learned from him the stats of homelessness youth in American, he was blown away. So excited was Minor about the GenWhy Project, which brings awareness to youth homelessness in America, he offered to make a PSA to get the word out to the media. Together they hope to solve the issue of homeless youth, often described as an invisible problem.
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.
"The homeless kids I met while in Chicago and the ones here in California are highly transient and do not want to be identified, notoriously underserved and under recognized. But, they are willing to share their stories if it helps."
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.
Recently, German was the lead story in San Francisco on the CBS program Bay Sunday that was totally dedicated to the problem of youth homelessness.
"This is a problem that is not going to go away on its own," German says. "I again met with a shelter while in the SF Bay Area called Larkin Street Youth Services. The numbers of youth that don't have a place to call home just keep growing and it is a national concern."
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."
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.
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The following pictures are available for download:
| [Image] | Rickey Minor and the GenWhy Project Team |
| [Image] | Rickey Minor - NBC Official Picture |
| [Image] | Rickey Minor, Music Director of the Tonight Show Band |