Lil Wayne helps at-risk Arizona youngsters

Lil Wayne is giving back to Arizona youth.

In May, the multiplatinum hip-hop star wfounrote a check for $5,000 through Tha Carter Fund to Arizona's Release the Fear program, which helps Arizona kids transition out of juvenile-corrections centers and back into their communities.

"My team and I had heard about the good work that Release the Fear was doing in the community and wanted to support their ongoing efforts," Lil Wayne said in an e-mail to The Arizona Republic. "As someone who has experienced firsthand the effects incarceration has on a person and the community, I feel that programs such as these deserve recognition and support."

The money will help sponsor the Second Chance workshop, an intensive two-day program that teaches at-risk youth conflict resolution through art, music and communication, said Robert Miley, founder of Release the Fear.

Donations from such celebrities as Wayne help kids understand that they can rise above their situation, and that someone cares what happens to them, Miley said.

"We've all made mistakes in life," Miley said. "The fact that a celebrity like this is believing in them, do you know how far that's going to take them?"

Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., knows a thing about run-ins with Arizona law enforcement. In 2008, border-patrol agents arrested the rapper after a K-9 unit discovered marijuana, ecstasy and cocaine on his tour bus outside Yuma. In June 2010, Wayne pleaded guilty to the charges and served 36 months of probation.

Wayne also served eight months behind bars in New York City for a weapons conviction in 2007.

Last September, Wayne held a concert in Arizona with proceeds going to the Tha Carter Fund, a charitable fund managed by the Arizona Community Foundation with the goal of supporting youth and after-school programs throughout Arizona.

Wayne's donations have already had an impact on Arizona Youth. Gregorio Martinez, 12, wrote a letter to thank him on behalf of all troubled teens:

"In addition, this program has made me believe in myself and showing that I matter and someone does care about all the troubled teens. Release the Fear has given me a voice and to be heard and gives me confidence and inspiration to accomplish my goals. That I don't have to be a follower, but a leader and become somebody important in life and that I myself am important to others, may god bless you, generous man."

Read the full letter below: