My Dad and brother both were once students at Taft Youth Center and both have stated that this place helped them to become who they are today. They both have great jobs and have'nt been re-encarcerated since. I would just like to say Thank You to ALL STATE EMPLOYEES working at Taft...past and present. My Grandmother and Mother both slept better knowing that they were at a safe secure place that taught them to be productive citizens in the end. I hope Taft does'nt close...i feel like Taft is a second chance for alot of these students to be able to get an education that will help to prevent them from crime in their future. I have seen these students at football games and they showed respect to other players and visitors as well as having respect and pride for themselves. Taft Youth Center has so much to offer these students...an education, counseling, industrial skills and medical treatment. How can our youth learn to be productive citizens without guidance that most may have not been able to gather somewhere else. My family did'nt start their time at Taft, they went through other youth centers in the state. Both have stated that Taft, by far, is where someone took the time to believe in them as people and not criminals. With that being said, i again would like to Thank the Taft employees for showing patience, respect and guidance as that has shaped them into the men whom they are today. THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!