Youth Mentoring Program

PROJECT SUMMARY FOR 95-JG-FX-0009
The Youth Enhancement project of the Family Life Center Foundation of Washington, DC has worked to enhance and develop its mentoring component since the initial JUMP grant was provided in 1995. The program has worked to stimulate and facilitate the maintenance of lifestyle changes in youth residing in the Shaw community of Washington, DC. The project uses a holistic approach to address physical and psychological well being, as well as personal and spiritual integrity. Further the program has provided positive adult role models, socialization activities and educational involvement. Enhance activities emphasize the prevention and reduction of negative health and social conditions, specifically delinquency, substance abuse and use, smoking, teenage pregnancy, unemployment, improper nutritional habits, violent aggressive behavior, truancy and dropping out from school. Participants in the program are youth between the ages of 8 and 18 years old and reside in the Shaw community. The participants in this project reflect the racial demographics of the Shaw community. Participants paticipate in the daily after school activities and the special summer enrichment activities. Activities for the Youth Enhancement Project include: Mentoring, Sports/Recreation, Educational Monitoring, Educational Assistance, Rap Sessions, Creative Arts, Special Summer Program, Parent support group, Rites of Passage program and Awards and Recognition banquet.