Youth Department Programs

Youth Self Enhancement Program (YSEP)- This program was developed to encourage Youth 9-13 to positively increase the distinction of their important identity. In a safe haven of nurturing and support, participants receive help with homework, enhance their computer skills, organize and plan special events and participate in group activities. From their one-on-one sessions with mentors they also learn time management skills, interpersonal and networking skills and how to be effective communicators.

Creatively Relating Entertainment and Arts To Education (C.R.E.A.T.E)- Creatively Relating Entertainment And Arts To Educate is an interactive peer leadership program for junior and senior year high schools students in African American communities that are not normally exposed to creative art programs. C.R.E.A.T.E. consists of three components: The Palette, Young Voice and Drama Squad. These programs focus on the prevention of substance abuse and violence using poetry, video production, newspapers, skits, and plays and helps prepare participants who are interested in pursuing careers in the arts.

Male/Female Mentoring-

Life Skills Program- Life Skills Programs focus on the development of effective social and problem-solving skills utilizing non-violent methods. Skill building activities are performed that help youth develop life skills to enhance their individual attitudes and behaviors to help meet the psychological, physical and social needs of youth.

Family Violence and Prevention Programs- This program focuses on the development of effective social and problem-solving skills utilizing non-violent methods. The workshops include topics such as conflict management, violence prevention, behavior modification, anger-management, leadership development, communication skills, value clarification, positive relationship building, and alcohol, tobacco and other drugs as they relate to violence.

The program also assists the youth in understanding norms, attitudes and values centered around community violence and how to identify, resist and communicate with persons exhibiting violent behavior. Specific problem-behavior skill building activities are performed that help youth develop life skills to enhance their individual attitudes and behaviors to address the challenges of day-to-day experiences in a constructive manner and offers alternatives to help meet the psychological, physical and social needs of youth.