My name is Rosie Betanzos, I am 36 years old and my communities are Echo Park and Silver Lake Districts.  I was introduced to volunteering by my mother since I was just a toddler and community crime prevention from a extraordinary mentor and friend “Ron Emler” who passed away a few years ago. 
     What made my volunteering more special was back in August 2005 when I was hit with two aneurisms in the brain and a stroke. My chances of living were minimal to none and it was a miracle that I lived.  During this time I realize it was extremely important for me to go after my dream and start a crime prevention organization that strengthens and bridges all organizations (from profit to non-profit) into one stop location for information. 
    Out of that dream came Positive Energy Group/crime prevention it is a community organizer of consultants all volunteering work where the LAPD, City Councils, community security patrol –Select Patrol-, businesses and community residences can come and find solutions in a positive format.  Complains are turn into solutions and responsibility are given back to the community. 
     Within Positive Energy two new groups have branch out, Young Ladies of the Lake and Young Men’s Forum, which focus on the youths between the ages of 12 to 18.  It is a mentor segment by which adults volunteers want to share their skills with the youth and become a big brother and sister to give them (the youth) a purpose of a wide variety of choices, they (the youth) may choose from.  The goal of these two groups is to give goals to the young folks for them to utilize now and in future.  They are learning about respecting ones mind, body and soul.  They are also learning about choices and peer pressure. What is healthy and not healthy in self-esteem and eating.  These young folks are going to be our role models in our communities and the future mentors.  They will help lead our communities in a positive way for others and themselves.
     One of our many biggest successes is National Night Out.  This one touched me dearly because businesses, Echo Park Chamber, residence and LAPD plus government came together with Positive Energy Group/crime prevention and helped me developed a system for National Night Out titled “A Farewell Party to Crime and Drugs.”  Two deaths had occurred almost back to back and the loss was two young people.  It was time for the community to step a notch up and get involved.  What better way then with a party with free hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza.  Give away prices for kids and other.  Please check our blogger
www.positiveenergygroup.blogspot.com and go view my profile and go to National Night Out to see the pictures.  The beauty of this event is everyone came together for one evening and had fun.  It was just perfect, especially for being a last minute event. 
     My personal reason for being a crime prevention consultant volunteer is to give 1st) my children and husband plus pets a safe environment where our communities care about the quality of life issues that effect us.  I want to be my children’s hero their life role model and they themselves can share this with their communities. 
     Well, my four year old and my 14th year old are doing just that.  To hear them talk about their communities and with the same love and passion their parents have, just tickle my fancy.  I know that if anything happens to me (as death) my children and my husband  will be okay because they were taught that love and caring makes a world of a difference and that  ones positive believes will make a good dent in ones lives and can be a ripple effect to others.
     Volunteering has taught me to become a better person.  My family and I have gone through some tough times, just recently our landlord evicted us so unethically and without cause.  She wanted to hike our rent to $5000 from $900.  It was sad because our security our roof was taken.  However, our community came together and helped me find a home sweet home.  So I must say Echo Park and Silver Lake Districts our real heroes.
     Volunteering is not a one man person but a team effort working together building legacies and caring for one another.  What better way to love oneself and find happiness.

Rosie Betanzos