At a readers request, www.kidsofelpaso.com now has a facebook page located at www.facebook.com/kidsofelpaso. Check it out and send a friend request to stay abreast of any news or updates that may be of interest.
Back Online
July 5th, 2009Though all of the site updates are not yet complete, I have made the www.kidsofelpaso.com website public once again. Though it is a work in progress, there is no reason for the website to be offline as long as it has. In recent times, I have been contacted by many ex-KIDS of El Paso teens that have inquired about the status of the website. I was most recently contacted by a writer/producer with CNN that has an interest in the long term affects of the program. If I ever wanted to tell the story of KIDS of El Paso and the impact that it has had on many lives, now is the time. With the foundation of the website back online, I am confident that I will continue to add updates and tweak the current information to soon make it more user friendly to the reader.
Stay tuned. More coming very soon.
The Passing of a Friend
September 4th, 2007Unfortunately I learn all too often of those from the program that pass away much too soon. During our tenure in KIDS of El Paso we were told time and time again that without the program we would end up dead, insane, or in jail. This prophecy has been fulfilled for far too many of us. Suicide is common among those that experienced KIDS and similar programs. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder amongst ex-KIDS is very real and sometimes can consume an individual, even twenty-something years later. Personally, I believe that KIDS had a strong influence at a very formative age of development that impacted and affected the ability to adjust, compensate, and manage adversity in a manner that is both healthy and rational. KIDS treatment philosophy included propaganda that was centered on the ‘breaking of the spirit’ which defeated individuality and exposed one’s fundamental core only to exploit it’s vulnerability. Even years later it is not easy to temper or counter such indoctrination.
I had the displeasure of recently learning of yet another one of us from the program that died far too young. Fortunately this person did not take his own life, but unfortunately he is now gone nonetheless. I have had many friends die over the years, but I could not help to remember this individual and the times when we shared space. It has not been that long ago when I spoke to this person. It was unimaginable at that time that it would be the last of times when once again, our paths crossed. I can’t help but to think of my own mortality when I think of the precious passing of time that sometimes goes by all too quickly. I often wonder when and where I will go. I can only hope that I will die happy at an old age.
I do wish my most sincere of condolences to this person’s family and friends. His wit and personality will always be remembered fondly by those that knew him. He was a part of the most difficult chapter in many of our lives and will be missed.
Fly on Karl.
Site Updates
May 6th, 2007I have been mad at work this weekend updating the website with the largest set of revisions since going online in 2001. When updating the website I am challenged to compose contextual information that often involves technicalities, perspective, and a lot of creativity. I am not a natural writer and even while in college I had difficulties with technical writing composition. Likewise, I am not gifted in the art of web design. I had absolutely no experience in web design before building KIDS of El Paso dot com for the first time years ago. I am also not a computer geek and often get frustrated by my own limitations in creative proficiency. When updating the website I am also challenged to dabble in digital artistry and have incorporated many of my own banners and designs. It is still not easy for me. I don’t use web design or fancy digital editing software. I really don’t know anything about them. At the end of the day, all I really know is what I want the site to look like and what content I would like for it to include. I do my best to forge my efforts accordingly. It is during times such as this when I think about the program the most. I am touching and scanning actual program documents, uploading photographs of those that shared the program experience right beside me, and doing my best to try to explain in print what I have learned about through my own inquisitive diligence. I have found many answers, but I continue to have questions. I have found peace of mind, but I continue to have nightmares.