Teen power, distinguished student, defenders of free speech

Power of teens

The power of kids helping kids has long been a tool used by Teen Line to aid teenagers in their struggles to break free from abuse and reach their potential.

Knowing the value of confronting problems head-on, the kids at this peer crisis hot line associated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center provide a helpful ear for those who have nowhere to turn and need someone who understands and can guide them through a difficult time.

At its recent 20th annual “Food for Thought” luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Teen Line honored Anjelica Huston with its VOICE Award and Louis Gossett Jr. with its 2007 Humanitarian Award for their interest in helping young people.

Both Huston and Gossett have been longtime supporters of Teen Line and spoke glowingly about the group’s achievements.

The “Most Valued Listener Award” was presented to Sophie Scheidlinger and Adam Friedman for their dedication and exceptional work on Teenline.

Guests at the event bid on the silent auction items and mingled before hearing teens speak at the luncheon about their personal experiences. It was heartwarming to see how much these young people cared about making a difference and helping someone in need.

The subject for the event, “Behind Closed Doors,” featured a former Teen Line listener who confronted the longtime abuse of a mentor and helped bring him to justice. It was rewarding to see the pride displayed by the teens that participate in the hot line and attempt to change their fellow teens lives for the better.

The teen-to-teen hot line and community outreach program have nearly 10,000 calling the hot line each year and more than 30,000 attending outreach programs in schools and community groups, as well as receiving Teen Line’s Youth Yellow Pages.

The toll-free (within California) telephone hot line, 800-TLC-TEEN is active every night from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, call the Teen Line offices at (310) 423-3401 or visit