JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — If you've driven near Beach and Hodges boulevards, there's a good chance you've passed a large gray building and probably never realized what was going on inside. It's the home of AMIkids, a nonprofit Duval County school that works with around 200 middle and high school students each year.Students are referred by the courts, school district and sometimes parents reach out for help directly. Action News Jax spoke with two students on Wednesday.
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A 16-year-old student says he prided himself on being a class clown and education was not his priority before attending AMIkids. His 17-year-old classmate ended up in the school after being referred by the Department of Juvenile Justice. "Stealing, running away -- stuff like that," the 17-year-old said.AMIkids was founded by a Florida judge who was frustrated at seeing the same young people going through the court system. He decided to create a holistic approach to help them.In addition to traditional classes, students also work with case managers and specialists on things like anger management, substance abuse prevention, behavior modification and even how to find a job. Stephanie O'Brien, executive director of AMIkids, said anything is possible for the children.
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"Anybody can (be) anything if they have the mindset to do it and support. These kids just need someone to say I'm here," O'Brien said.Even after just a few short weeks, it's an approach these teens say is working.
"I'm focused more. I'm studying now, I get good grades. I (have) straight A's and B's now," one student said. The school has so many opportunities "It's nothing to even be ashamed about. I love my school."