Marcia Carter had conceived the Second Step Middle School program as a way to help middle schoolers in Pumphrey avoid peer pressure, bullying and drug abuse and learn empathy.

But as word of mouth spread about the program, held from October until March, children of all ages started showing up. Although as many as 34 showed up for one of the four sessions, none was turned away.

"The biggest thing about this program is for the hour to hour and a half they are here, they can feel safe - no arguing, cussing, fighting. Safe. It's very important," said Carter, the county school's Second Step program coordinator....