In a new local Habitat for Humanity program, youths such as Jeremie Whiting unite for a good cause.

It's 7:30 on a brisk Saturday morning in February and the crew of kids looks alarmingly alert -- you might even say happy -- as they trek around a dirt-filled lot. Rather than sleeping in or playing Wii, they're pushing wheelbarrows and hammering nails at a construction site near Warm Springs and Tamarus. Watching the homebuilding is 13-year-old Jeremie Whiting and his mother, Jennifer Teal. At about five-foot-nine, Jeremie's manlike height is a stark contrast to his boyish smile, freckles and chubby cheeks. He's wearing a shirt that says "Ask me about Youth United" in a neon green hue that only kids can get away with. Its message is his mission: Jeremie is a special ambassador for Youth United, the new local arm of Habitat for Humanity that puts volunteers ages 5 to 25 to work building, painting and landscaping homes.

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"Before CCM I did some things that I regret now. I would go out to stores with friends who would insist that I take candy without paying for it. I thought I was cool because my friends and I did this together. Then I would sell the candy I stole to other kids at my school. In the summer of 2005, I started hanging out with a friend named Jerod. He believed in God and encouraged me to stop stealing.

At the beginning of last school year my brother, Latrell, invited me to Club Christ. At first I didn’t want to go because I didn’t think it would be fun. The only reason I went the fist time was because I just wanted to get out of the house, yet, after my first visit I knew I wanted to go back. Two months went by and I noticed a difference in my life. I had OK grades before but I realized they were improving. I also saw that I was more polite to others.

Then last December I was invited to attend International Church of Las Vegas (ICLV) where I gave my life to Christ. My life improved and everything started to get better. We have done some pretty cool stuff like our leadership trips and Young Life camp."

“I’ve never met a group of people so warm, kind and caring,” shared one mom about CCM. “Her attitude has changed.”

When a middle school student, Chanel, entered the after-school program she was hardened by the harsh realities of life. At the age of twelve she hadalready been exposed to drugs, violence and abuse. She carried a heavy load of bitterness and pain on her shoulders, but over time her life transformed through being apart of CCM. Chanel was disruptive and struggled academicly, but through consistent discipline and love she steadily improved.

She now attends high school where she is on the dance team, honor roll and a part of student council. CCM gave Chanel a chance to learn, grow and reach her goals.