" Building a healthy, caring
and prosperous community"
Youth
East End serves a community where teens face many obstacles to success including a high level of domestic violence, child abuse, alcohol and drug use, crime and at risk schools. For these teens, The Youth Center provides a safe, welcoming place there they can participate in programs from 3 p m. to 9 p.m Tuesday through Friday and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays. During the summer youth also participate in camps and other activities. Approximately 100 youth 10 to 19 years of age attend regularly and on an average year more than 350 teens attend at least one activity.
Our youth program uses best practices for youth development which emphasizes that teens and young adults need to acquire personal assets in order to succeed. Studies completed by the Search Institute have identified 40 developmental assets that are associated with responsible behavior and academic success. Through participation at the Youth Center, pre-teens, adolescents and young adults are building crucial skills, assets and resiliency factors that will help them make positive decisions.
Prevention Programs: The youth attend a wide array of structured groups and activities that help them make healthy choices and avoid risky behaviors like teen pregnancy, drug use, dropping out of school, etc. In this groups, youth learn about how to resist peer pressure, handle conflict without violence, what are healthy and unhealthy relationships and other life skills. The structured learning is broken into segments and reinforced by fun activities that promote bonding.
Academic Programs: Through tutoring and access to a virtual charter high school for youth who have dropped out of school, teens are assisted in achieving academic success. These programs are vital because we find that when youth come to us, 50 percent are one or more years behind in school. Our goal is to work with youth to find the learning environment and supports that best match their preferences and needs so that they will succeed.
Future Success: Through mentoring, visits to colleges, pre-employment skills training, and actual work experiences, youth are prepared to become self-sufficient adults. Last year more than 40 youth either toured a college or visited a workplace as part of a preparation process for future education and careers. More than 76 percent of our youth report that they would like to attend college.
Cultural Programming: Youth benefit from programs that promote creative expression. In partnership with City Folk, artists help teens learn about different cultures and build tolerance and respect. The youth have taken a lead in participating in such events as the Martin Luther King March and the Dayton Dialogue on Race.
Sports, Fitness and Recreation: Studies have shown that participation in recreational and athletic programs have significant benefits for youth and reduce the likelihood that they will engage in risky behavior. Working with the YMCA of Greater Dayton and other partners, we offer a wide range of opportunities , including open time for youth simply to gather and engage in informal sports or games.
Service: Throughout the year, numerous service projects help youth feel that they are connected to improving their neighborhood and the broader community. The youth gave from the chance to give back to others and to learn that they are needed by the neighborhood.
Outcomes: Our results show that youth are increasing in developmental assets and the protective factors that lead to resiliency. Youth are making progress towards finishing schools and avoiding risky behaviors.
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Mentor Youth!
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East End Community Services 624 Xenia Avenue Dayton, OH 45410 Phone 937-259-1898 FAX: 937-259-1897 Email: ajomantas@east-end.org