HELPING HAND PROGRAM TRAINS TEENS FOR REAL WORLD.

Byline: John Sanders Staff Writer

PALMDALE - When Emmett Murrell was a youngster he was sent to a youth camp. Now he helps youths by running a boys home and training programs for teen-agers.

``When I was a youngster, I was in camp,'' Murrell said. ``Being in camp changed my life. I dedicated my life to doing something that I enjoy. Working with young men and ladies is something I really enjoy.''

It started 17 years ago when Murrell opened a boys home funded by Los Angeles County for children who were wards of the court or whose parents were incarcerated.

The five-bedroom, 1,900-square-foot home houses six boys and two around-the-clock staff members. The six of them have now lived in the home for a year or more.

``We've been blessed to get the support from the community and be able to function as long as we have,'' Murrell said.

Murrell runs other programs serving an additional 200 or so youngsters.

The independent living program is designed to teach life skills and prepare foster kids for when they turn 18 and are sent out on their own. That program has been going on for seven years.

``We want them to be functional in society,'' Murrell said. ``We want them to walk into a place with some basic skills. To come in contact with people who have an idea and a grasp of what their lives are about gives them a sense of empowerment. That's what they need in order for them to make it in this very competitive world.''

The teen-agers are taught about writing resumes, interviewing techniques and how to dress for an interview. They also learn how to use computer programs such as Windows 98 and Microsoft Excel, as well as about such things as purchasing a car, getting an apartment or buying furniture.

They get 15 hours of computer training and eight hours of clerical and cashiering training.

``Our job is to prepare them to make that jump into the real world, whether it be academically or whether it be in the work force,'' Murrell said.

A similar program for teen-agers 14 to 18 who are on probation is run by Anthawan Gipson, a former resident of the boys home.

Gipson, assisted by outside speakers, teaches the kids the same skills as the foster youths learn.

``I've had a chance to grow up in the system,'' Gipson said. ``This program has helped me in more ways than I can imagine.''

Murrell inspires kids by activities such as camping in the Tehachapi Mountains and last year's bicycle trip from Northern California to the Mexican border.

Murrell, who is helped in the programs by his wife, Stella, says he believes spirituality is an important component.

``They need spiritual enlightenment,'' he said. ``They need for me to help them develop a relationship with their own God. That is essential if they're going to make the kind of decisions and choices that's going to govern the rest of their lives.''

The majority of the funding for the program is provided by Los Angeles County, Murrell said.

For information on Murrell's Community Service Agency contact [phone].

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Photo: (color) Emmett Murrell stands in the computer room where teen-agers receive training on programs such as Windows 98.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News