Jon Dagner wants to be there for kids who need some advice or just a friendly face to talk to.

Dagner has been a volunteer with Youth for Christ since 1973. He goes to the organization’s building, &uot;The Rock,&uot; located on Clark Street, every Monday, when middle-school kids gather. He helps with the different programs that take place on Mondays. He also plays games and talks with the children.

He feels this work is important because children need help staying on the right path while growing up in today’s world.

&uot;(We) reinforce positivity,&uot; he said. &uot;There are a lot of negative influences in the world.&uot;

Dagner decided to get involved with Youth for Christ because he was involved with similar organizations as a child and wanted to do the same for children today. Most of all he just wants to make himself available to kids.

&uot;To hear a (kid) say that I have helped them, it makes it worth the while,&uot; he said.

Dagner said his work and that of Youth for Christ are just to help children make the right decisions in life and go down the right path.

&uot;Hopefully you’ll be able to guide them in the right way,&uot; he said.