Discouraged youth need caring adults who employ both traditional and creative strategies to help them develop character and positive life goals. Caring adults can help youth realize that they are worthy of love and possess great potential. There is great promise and hope for troubled youth if they connect with adults who are convinced that every young person has the opportunity to succeed. Building character and personhood has its roots in a deep belief in the inherent goodness and innate potential in every child to live a successful and meaningful life.