Roots of the Project
In May, 2002, Cinemax premiered The Devils Playground, a documentary depicting Amish adolescence. Primarily filming on location in LaGrange and Elkhart, Indiana, the program unrealistically depicted rampant, uncontrolled alcohol and drug abuse as common during this period of Old Order Amish life.
The time from age 16 until a decision is made about baptism into the Amish church can be difficult for some youth. For the first time, many are exposed to the world, or "the devil's playground," as the film's title mentions. Theologically, this is an essential period, for these youth must, of their own accord, choose to separate from the world and join the Amish church. Without this time, their choice is not free.
In September, 2002, Norm Kauffmann, then Town Manager of Shipshewana, called a meeting of the area Amish to discuss concerns raised by the film. While all agreed that the views were an exaggeration and distortion of the alcohol and drug problem, those present also agreed on the need for a response.
The Amish Youth Vision Project Emerges
Norm Kauffmann, Jim Cates, and Linda Graham, three professionals with experience working with the Amish, agreed on the need for services. All also agreed on one fundamental principle to guide the Vision Project: services needed to originate from within the Amish community. The Amish separate from the world. They accept, respect, and form friendships with those of the world, but maintain a distance that is bridged carefully and selectively. For the Vision Project to be effective, goals must either be implemented from within the Amish community, or designed to be sustained within the Amish community.
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"Where there is no vision, the people perish."
- Proverbs 29:18
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Lantern drawing by an Amish teenager for the Amish Youth Vision Project.
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Vision Project Funding
Funding for the Amish Youth Vision Project comes from a variety of sources:
The primary source of funding is a grant from the Indiana State Department of Health Maternal and Childrens Special Health Care Services and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources & Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under Title V of the Social Security Act of 1935. The grant is available for three years, starting in 2005.
A number of professionals donate their time and expertise for reduced or no fee to the project; these in-kind and pro bono services greatly expand our ability to offer programs.
Several services, including workshops and classes, charge a nominal fee for attendance. These fees recoup some costs as well.
In initial meetings with Amish leaders, one request was clear. They did not want grant monies spent on direct service provision. Accordingly, all grant funds have been used for administrative purposes only.
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