There comes a time when some anomalies in society and communities need to be corrected. Violence among young people and students is one of those anomalies, and STudent Athletes for Healthy RelationshipS (STAHRS) is at the center of fixing that problem. STAHRS is an organization committed to helping young students and athletes see their education through without embracing violence.
The founder, Duane F. Barone, lived through violence as a young student. He experienced some significant bullying as an ‘outsider.’ He vowed to make change happen where he can, due to his professional career, and he is currently doing it through STAHRS. Beyond violence among young students, STAHRS is also committed to making schools safe zones and safer from shooting incidents.
Duane F. Barone’s commitment to making such a large-scale impact is well-planned. He did not set out to instill his impact on an individual basis. His goal from the get-go was to reach hundreds of students at a time and thousands annually. He wants to spread his message and cause all over the country in the shortest possible time. His specific focus on athletes in schools rose from the fact that these are the stars in every school. All eyes are usually on them, and it is important that they get on board the program so that other students can feel the influence of this life-changing program that he has put together.
The great thing about STudent Athletes for Healthy RelationshipS is that it is free; so parents and students do not have to bother about the financial implications of signing up. STAHRS is all about relationships, as that is the only thing that keeps everyone within a community or environment together in peace and harmony.
Duane F. Barone has worked in mental health services for 31 years in the United States and six years in Scotland. He has seen people break down completely and experience huge challenges. He has played significant roles in helping chronic mentally ill and intellectually disabled adults live independent and functional lives. And for the past 17 years of his career, he has focused on family and relationship violence, a cause that he is now taking to higher heights through STudent Athletes for Healthy RelationshipS.
STAHRS focuses on fixing low self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-belief issues. These are the traits that drive abusive behaviors and attitudes. Through his initiative, Duane will be helping many people set their lives straight so they can achieve their life goals and fulfill their potentials. STAHRS will be targeting everybody ranging from corporate executives and HR departments to schools and school districts, professional athletes and celebrities, coaches and youth sports, private grant funding foundations, the NFL Players Association, professional teams, and parents.
STAHRS is in the business of proving to young people that they have hope for the future because there is a solution for every behavioral problem around them. In Duane’s words, “We are not powerless to the chaos occurring in our communities. There are solutions through understanding the human experience and each other, which brings compassion and empathy. We can make a difference together, and changes 30 years from now must start today. We can make our schools and communities safer by educating our youth and the adults there with them.” And he concludes, “Please be the pebbles in the pond to spread peace and tranquility.”
Learn more about STAHRS on the official website.
