Rite of Passage celebrates 25 years

Today, Rite of Passage is celebrating its 25th anniversary of improving the lives of at-risk youth.

The organization is combining three events during the all-day celebration at Ferris Park in Minden - the annual, intramural athletic competition known as Run Ride Swim Survive, a student graduation commencement, and a quarter-century commemoration ceremony.

Rite of Passage is a Minden-based organization that has impacted more than 20,000 at-risk youth since 1984. It utilizes evidence-based treatment and provides its students with year-round education, vocational training, athletics and counseling.

Creating a normalized environment for its students by providing opportunities for community interaction is a core tenet of the program. In 2008 alone, Nevada-based Rite of Passage programs provided more than 18,000 hours of community service.

"Some of our students have been in the program for more than 12 months," said program director Peter Woods. "Today, they are leaving with their GEDs and scholarships to college. That is something they never dreamed was possible."

Right of Passage provides services across the country and currently employs nearly 1,000 staff. It serves 1,500 students from 16 states and Washington, D.C.

"We are now celebrating our 25-year anniversary which was solely achieved by our dedicated, talented, and kindhearted staff," said S. James Broman, chief executive officer.

For more information, visit www.riteofpassage.com.