The COPE Project

The Community Organizations and Programs that Empower youth (COPE) Project targets the crucial need to build protective factors among youth involved in the juvenile justice system in some of Harris County, Texas’ most unsafe communities in Houston.  A combination of individual, relationship, community, and societal factors contribute to the risk of youth violence.  The project will systematically incorporate research and evidence-based practices into the design. This in turn will complement and strengthen mentoring services through targeted family-engaging activities that will result in increased in-person staff contact, targeted referrals, training for families, and the end outcome of building protective factors for youth.  

Applying under Category 1: Mentoring Organizations (1 state), The COPE Project targets the crucial need to build protective factors among youth, ages 10-17, involved in the justice system, as well as those at high risk for delinquency and victimization throughout Harris County with a focus on the city of Houston. Face to Face Enrichment Centers mentoring program has been operational for 16 years. The COPE Project is supported by Louisiana Empowerment Services to provide mental health services for youth who can benefit from treatment. Louisiana Empowerment Services has facilities in multiple states, which include Louisiana, Texas, and North Carolina. A minimum of 80 youth will be served each year through this effort.