Contact: Drew Read, COO & Cyclist, Paul Anderson Youth Home, 912-537-7237 ext.362, 770-335-5942 cell
MEDIA ADVISORY, Sept. 23 /Christian Newswire/ -- A seventeen year old with 32 felonies became a supervisor in Loss Prevention with a Fortune 500 company, a homeless felon became a successful restaurant franchise owner with a Master's degree, and a suicidal drug abuser became an outstanding family, business, and church leader. These changes took place in young men who were court ordered to the Paul Anderson Youth Home (PAYH) in Vidalia, Georgia.
At fourteen, Andy started abusing drugs and alcohol, which eventually led to an addictive lifestyle. After dropping out of two residential programs, Andy came to the PAYH as an angry seventeen year old. He rode 500 miles in the Paul Anderson Cycling Challenge, which was a turning point in his life. Andy applied what he learned and passed the GED, even though he had come to the PAYH functioning at a third grade math level.
Since 1961 the PAYH has provided an alternative to incarceration and a "home" to over 1000 young men while nurturing and encouraging their families. As part of the rehabilitation process, Paul Anderson Ministries offers opportunities for young men to participate in events such as the Paul Anderson Cycling Challenge. This 500 mile fund-raising bike ride through Georgia teaches perseverance, discipline, teamwork, and endurance.
Changing lives is the main reason for the Paul Anderson Cycling Challenge; this year's participants will never be the same! The ride is scheduled to begin on September 25th in Atlanta, pass through Rome, Toccoa, Augusta, and return to Vidalia on October 2nd. The team will provide blogs, stories, and videos along the way. Speaking engagements have been planned at churches and civic clubs to raise awareness of the ministry's efforts to help families through placement, resources, counseling, and referrals.
To sponsor a rider or make a contribution to the Paul Anderson Cycling Challenge, go to www.payh.org/bikeride. While online, register for a chance to win a Trek road bike. Entries will be received through October 16, 2008.
