Steve and Lana found their lives turned upside down when they returned from vacation four years ago. Their home and just about everything in it was destroyed, priceless family mementos and all. Yet, when they finally faced the five juveniles that broke into their home and created such havoc, they found kids in need of help and understanding. This article is about how they were able to recognize the destruction of their property as a cry for help from troubled youths.
Jun. 16, 2003
Kristin Park
The Arizona Republic
Helping out the vandals
2 victims see 5 kids in need and aid them
Four years ago, Arizona City residents Steve Heckemeyer and Lana LaPointe returned home from a vacation to find their home vandalized.
They turned their experience into an opportunity to mentor the five youths who had entered their home several times over a period of days. "It was devastating," said Heckemeyer, 66.
The youths had trashed most everything that the couple had acquired during more than 20 years of marriage. They even destroyed Heckemeyer's computer, which ultimately cost him his job.
Posted by travelsafetyblog at April 10, 2004 12:54 PM