Within a two-month span this spring, four young people in Greeley took their own lives, shocking the community and causing parents, teachers and counselors to worry and watch other teenagers a little more closely.

But the concern for teens hasn't ceased, according to Paula Powell of Greeley, who decided to take action herself.

"The suicides have affected our whole family, the community, all the kids." Powell said. "We don't want these kids thinking life isn't worth it...we need to help them now." Powell, parent of a teen, began working to find a speaker who could talk to teens and parents alike. She found Les Franklin, director of the Job Training Office and member of Gov. Roy Romer's staff. Franklin was a high-profile person in the state even before his son, Shaka Franklin, 16, killed himself in October 1990.

Since that family tragedy, Les Franklin had become a national spokesman for teens and suicide. He will speak to teens, parents and any other interested persons from 7-9p.m. on Friday at the Aims Community College Student Center.

Les Franklin established the Shaka Franklin Foundation shortly after his son's death, "to help troubled teenage youth make their lives absolute and provide a positive place to go; a center where they can discuss, with professionals, their unanswered questions about gangs , teen pregnancy, suicide and world violence, as well as provide information about jobs," according to a brochure describing the program.

Les has appeared on national television programs such as Montel Williams, Phil Donahue, the 700 Club and an NBC special "Images and Realities".

Franklin talks about what communities, schools, government and parents can do to help kids who are troubled and facing problems.

"We decided he was the one who could help the kids the most," Powell said.

Anyone who has questions about the speech should contact Powell at 339-5360.