DATE: Sunday, September 14, 1997            TAG: 9709140195

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 

SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: KILL DEVIL HILLS                  LENGTH:   50 lines

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT TO BE FRIENDS OF DARE COUNTY YOUTHS

For the past two years, 45-year-old Kip Tabb has worked as a volunteer for the Dare County Friends of Youth, providing time and guidance for young people.

``When you live in a community, you take a lot out,'' said Tabb, the co-owner of a Kill Devil Hills coffee shop. ``I believe we have to put something back into the places we live.

Tabb, like 26 other Friends of Youth volunteers, spends at least four hours a week with a young person to help the youth build confidence, character and self-esteem. Currently, 18 youths are on a waiting list to join the program.

Children are referred to the program by a number of agencies, including the juvenile court system, law enforcement, school guidance counselors and parents. The youths range in age from 7 to 17, Friends of Youth Executive Director Bonnie Bennett said.

``Because we get referrals from the court system and the police, there are some misconceptions,'' Bennett said. ``But these are not bad kids. They're wonderful children who need someone to spend time with them and help them make good choices.''

Potential volunteers sometimes shy away because of the time commitment. Bennett points to Tabb as an example that it can be done.

``Kip works 14 hours a day, but he has shown that you can make the commitment work. It's doable,'' Bennett said. ``I think it's a priority thing.''

Other candidates may fear that activities with a young person may put a strain on the budget. But thanks to corporate support from local bowling alleys, restaurants and other attractions, there is little or no cost to ``Friends'' volunteers.

``So many merchants have contributed to the program, that it costs virtually nothing,'' Tabb said.

Two things are critical to being a Friends of Youth volunteer, Tabb said.

``You have to be someone who genuinely cares,'' Tabb said. ``And you have to be consistent in your time with them.''

Applicants who want to work with youths should be at least 18 years old. All volunteers go through a screening process and should be willing to commit to 16 hours a month for one year.

The organization is part of the Governor's One-On-One initiative, a statewide effort aimed at helping at-risk youths through volunteerism. The Dare County Friends of Youth is one of 62 programs under the state umbrella.

``We're not miracle workers,'' Tabb said. ``But you have to believe you can make a difference.''

For more information, call Bennett or Program Assistant Jennifer Wooten at 473-1101, extension 257.

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