what home environment helps George resist pressure to participate in negative activities?

George's mother is a strong woman, who works hard to provide for her children. She teaches her children by modeling appropriate behavior and by giving them the love, support, and guidance they need to be successful. George also had a strong role-model in Mr. Jackson, who provided him with a good example, love, and an enormous amount of encouragement. Jackson treated George like he was one of his own boys. George credits the stability in his life for keeping him away from negative influences and peer pressure.

Because of her steady job, our pantry and refrigerator were always full of food. We didn’t move around constantly like some families did but lived in the same apartment for the rest of my childhood. And Mom kept the utility bills paid, too. I was fortunate; most of the guys I know who got into trouble in my neighborhood had circumstances at home that weren’t as stable. Many guys I knew sold drugs because they felt they had no choice. And I believe that kids who grew up in less stable environments were more susceptible to pressure from friends to do the negative things that everyone else seemed to be doing.