We are a positive youth development initiative that partners with at-risk youth to create opportunities for personal growth and civic engagement. We plan to implement programs that do not duplicate services but, rather, work in conjunction with already operating ones, filling in the gaps. Our objectives are to promote academic achievement, recreational activity, career development and self awarene
ss; not limited exclusively to, but with a heightened awareness and sensitivity to, those under-served minorities living in and around the Greater Iowa City Area. Recent studies in the City Steps 2011-2015 Plan have shown that Iowa City lacks the necessary facilities for at-risk youth as well as affordable childcare (page 78). Also, the latest increase in obesity and diabetes among minority children indicates the critical need for a variety of extracurricular and athletic activities. In addition to health issues, the disproportionate number of minority representation in the justice system (as reported by the DMC Committee) clearly reflects an urgent call to further develop present healthy alternatives to idle time, low self-esteem and underachievement both scholastically and professionally. We endeavor to create new ways to actively reach our community’s at-risk youth, thus counteracting the cycle in which they presently exist. Our Programs will accomplish this through: (1) Relationships with positive adults (2) Involving youth in leadership positions (3) Increasing life skills (4) Increasing civic engagement and community stewardship (5) Learning healthy conflict resolution methods (6) Strengthening the family unit and (7) Gaining professional/financial responsibility.
