The suicide of his teen-age son alerted Les Franklin to the violence and despair that surrounds many adolescents.

That tragedy spurred Franklin to create the Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth four years ago.

Named for his son, the foundation tries to expose at-risk youth to activities that will enhance their self-esteem and lead them away from any self-destructive notions.

"Violent crimes committed by youth are on the rise," says Franklin. "In fact, the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado reported that Colorado has experienced a 300% increase in violent crimes for offenders between the ages of 15-19. Youth need to be given strategies on how to deal with the problem of drugs, sex, alcohol, peer pressure, depression and anger."

"Without positive intervention, there is a high probability that many high-risk youth will end up in the adult criminal justice system -- or the health care system, as a victim," he says.

The Franklin Foundation operates a special program, called Youth Enhancement Services at Byers Alternative High School in Denver. The school is often the last chance for youngsters who've been in trouble with the law or unable to succeed in traditional school settings to get an education.

"The Foundation exposes the kids to other opportunities, such as camps that they otherwise would not experience, mentoring and support," says Jerry Johnson, vice president of Network and Technology Services for U.S. West, a leading supporter of the Franklin Foundation. "The entire family 'at-risk' gets the support they need."

For information on the Shaka Franklin Foundation For Youth, call 337-2515.