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Addressing the Needs of New York State Youth

New York State, despite its strengths, faces challenges for its young people. Statistics show that. DWIGHT recognizes this need and proposes a comprehensive mentoring program to empower young people across New York State.

DWIGHT: Building a Brighter Future

DWIGHT pairs caring and qualified mentors with young people, fostering a dependable and supportive relationship. Our program focuses on:

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Equipping youth with the skills to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. We utilize evidence-based approaches to address challenges like stress management, social awareness, and emotional regulation.

• Conflict Resolution: Teaching effective communication and problem-solving techniques to navigate challenges constructively. Role-playing exercises and workshops will equip youth with the tools to resolve conflicts peacefully and develop assertive communication skills.

• Entrepreneurial and Vocational Exploration: Exposing youth to diverse career paths and igniting their passions. We will achieve this through workshops led by professionals, guest speaker sessions from entrepreneurs and industry leaders, and mentorship opportunities with individuals in various fields.

• Life Skills Development: Equipping youth with practical knowledge for everyday success, including financial literacy, healthy habits, and communication skills. Workshops on topics like budgeting, healthy eating, and navigating public transportation will prepare youth for independent living.

• Mental Health Awareness and Support: Providing access to mental health resources and fostering open conversations about mental well-being. DWIGHT will partner with mental health professionals to offer individual and group counseling sessions, while also normalizing conversations about mental health within the program.

Dynamic, Artsy, Noble, Innovative, Empowering, Lively, Lyrical, Encouraging

DANIELLE envisions a summer camp experience brimming with life and lyrical energy, where children from underserved communities discover their potential and blossom into well-rounded individuals. We aim to nurture their social-emotional well-being, equip them with life skills, and empower them to become active and positive contributors to society.

Goals:

• Empowerment through Education: Provide a stimulating and innovative curriculum that fosters social-emotional learning (SEL), conflict resolution skills, and entrepreneurial and vocational exploration.

• Holistic Development: Integrate life skills workshops like healthy decision-making, financial literacy, and mental health awareness to prepare children for

future success.

• Building Strong Communities: Cultivate a sense of belonging and connection through collaboration and teamwork activities.

• Bridging the Gap: Partner with local organizations to offer mental health counseling and extend the camp's impact beyond the summer months.

Objectives:

• Develop a curriculum that seamlessly integrates SEL strategies into daily activities. (Examples: role-playing for conflict resolution, mindfulness exercises for stress management, team-based projects to foster collaboration)

• Design workshops led by professionals that introduce children to various entrepreneurial and vocational fields. (Examples: guest speakers from local businesses, interactive sessions on financial planning, hands-on activities like coding or carpentry)

• Implement a life skills program that equips children with practical knowledge for everyday challenges. (Examples: workshops on healthy communication, budgeting and saving techniques, basic first aid and CPR training)

• Partner with local mental health professionals to offer individual and group counseling sessions for children in need.

Dependable, Affordable, Reliable, Incredible, Afterschool

3 D's Aftercare Inc.'s, DARIA STEAM afterschool program serves school aged youth ages 4-13 , providing a safe and enriching environment to unlock their full potential. Through an integrated approach implemented by paid staff, interns, volunteers, and community partners, that blends hands-on STEAM learning with essential life skills development, mental health support, and entrepreneurial training, we empower them to become confident, self-aware, and contributing members of their communities.

Goals:

1. Academic Achievement: Enhance academic performance and close the achievement gap by offering targeted support in core subjects, fostering a love of learning through STEAM exploration, and building effective study habits.

2. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Equip students with the critical skills to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts constructively, leading to improved social interactions and increased resilience.

3. Mental Health Well-being: Promote mental health awareness and offer confidential individual and group counseling sessions by master’s level Social Work interns, to address anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

4. Life Skills Mastery: Cultivate practical skills for daily living through workshops and interactive activities in areas like personal finance, nutrition, time management, and career planning, preparing them for adulthood independence.

5. Conflict Resolution: Foster peaceful conflict resolution by teaching effective communication strategies, mediation techniques, and peer support networks, creating a safe and respectful learning environment.

6. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Ignite entrepreneurial creativity and innovation through project-based learning, guest lectures, business simulation games, and mentorship opportunities, empowering them to become future problem-solvers and potential business leaders.

7. Community Engagement: Cultivate a strong sense of community belonging and civic engagement by involving families, local businesses, and community organizations in program activities and initiatives, fostering collaboration and mutual support.

Developing Engaging Networks with Individuals and Multigenerational families

Denim was created as a Parenting Program to empower children, create confidence and encourage academic accountability through familial support and empowerment. We will offer the following as support for all parents regardless of age, with an emphasis on single and young parents, caretakers for incarcerated parents, grandparents turned guardians and veterans • Health & Nutrition Classes

• GED

• ESL

• Job readiness

• Yoga

• Fitness

Empowering Middle Schoolers/ Teens Through Positive Interactions

Teenagers navigate a complex world filled with challenges and opportunities. They crave independence while needing a safe space to connect with peers and develop essential life skills. The Teen Cafe program addresses this need by providing a welcoming environment where teens can gather after school, enjoy a healthy meal, and participate in enriching activities.

Goals:

• Create a Positive and Safe Space: Foster a supportive environment free from negative influences, where teens feel comfortable expressing themselves.

• Promote Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Equip teens with the skills to manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and resolve conflicts constructively.

• Develop Life, Vocational, and Entrepreneurial Skills: Offer workshops and practical demonstrations on topics like personal finance, basic car maintenance, interview skills, and exploring career options.

• Provide Access to Mental Health Support: Connect teens with mental health professionals to address personal challenges and promote mental well-being.

Objectives:

• Weekly Meetings: Organize regular gatherings with activities, workshops, and guest speakers.

• Healthy Meal Service: Offer a nutritious and appealing meal at each meeting.

• Social-Emotional Learning Activities: Integrate interactive games, discussions, and role-playing exercises to develop SEL skills.

• Conflict Resolution Workshops: Equip teens with communication tools and strategies for resolving disagreements in a healthy manner.

• Life Skills Workshops: Offer practical sessions on topics like budgeting, cooking essentials, personal hygiene, and time management.

• Vocational Skills Demonstrations: Invite professionals to showcase basic car maintenance, home repairs, or other industry-specific skills.

• Entrepreneurial Skill-Building: Organize workshops on brainstorming business ideas, creating budgets, and marketing basics.

• Mental Health Awareness Events: Host discussions and information sessions on mental health topics, including stress management and self-care strategies.

• Guest Speaker Sessions: Invite professionals from diverse backgrounds to share their career experiences and inspire vocational exploration.

Determined And Self-made Hustlers

Mission: To provide a confidential and collaborative community for bootstrapped CEOs and founders to navigate the unique challenges of building and sustaining a business with personal funds and ideas, fostering resilience, well-being, and long-term success.

Vision: To empower bootstrapped CEOs and founders to thrive personally and professionally, build sustainable businesses, and create a lasting legacy.

Goals:

• Community Building: Create a strong, supportive network of peers who understand the bootstrapped journey.

• Business Sustainability: Equip members with strategies and resources to build and maintain financially healthy and sustainable businesses.

• Burnout Prevention and Self-Care: Promote awareness of burnout and provide tools and techniques for effective self-care.

• Legacy Planning: Guide members in defining their values, creating a positive impact, and planning for the long-term future of their business.

• Financial Acumen: Enhance members' financial literacy and decision-making skills.

• Knowing When to Close: Provide a safe space to discuss the difficult decisions, including when it might be time to consider closing a business, and how to do so with dignity.

Zestful Outlook, Empowering Youth

Fostering resilience and strength in children facing parental cancer through a vibrant and supportive community

Mission: To provide a safe, supportive, and understanding environment for children affected by parental cancer, fostering resilience, emotional well-being, and a sense of community.

Vision: To empower children to navigate the challenges of parental cancer with strength, hope, and a positive outlook, ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout their journey.

Goals:

• Emotional Support: Provide a space for children to express their feelings, fears, and concerns related to their parent's cancer.

• Education and Understanding: Increase children's understanding of cancer, its treatments, and the emotional impact it has on families.

• Coping Skills Development: Teach children healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and grief.

• Community Building: Foster a sense of belonging and connection among children who share similar experiences.

• Resilience Building: Promote resilience and a positive outlook in the face of adversity.

Teen Parent That Rocks

Goals:

• Promote positive parenting skills and healthy child development.

• Enhance the self-esteem and confidence of teen parents.

• Foster healthy family dynamics and communication.

• Break the cycle of teen pregnancy by empowering young parents to make positive choices for their future.

Objectives:

• Develop Nurturing Parenting Skills: Participants will learn evidence-based strategies for positive discipline, communication, and fostering emotional well-being in their children.

• Promote Self-Sufficiency and Resilience: The program will equip teen parents with life skills like budgeting, time management, and healthy stress-reduction techniques.

• Build a Supportive Community: TPTR will create a safe space for peer-to-peer connection and mentorship from experienced adult teen parents.

• Enhance Self-Care: The program will emphasize the importance of self-nurturing practices for teen parents, promoting their physical and mental well-being.

Addressing the Needs of a Growing Population

The population of adults over 55 is rapidly growing in the United States. . This demographic also faces unique challenges, including social isolation, financial concerns, and navigating later-life decisions. The Aged Like Fine Wine (ALFW) Club addresses these needs by fostering a vibrant community that promotes connection, well-being, and continued growth.

Goals:

• Combat Social Isolation: Create a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals can build friendships and meaningful connections.

• Empower Through Knowledge: Offer workshops and resources to enhance financial literacy, technology skills, and end-of-life planning knowledge.

• Spark New Interests: Provide a diverse range of activities that cater to various interests, promoting physical and mental well-being.

• Foster a Sense of Community: Create a supportive network where members can share experiences, learn from one another, and feel a sense of belonging.

Objectives:

• Organize social events and outings: Plan regular gatherings (e.g., coffee mornings, game nights, cultural outings) to encourage interaction and build lasting friendships.

• Develop educational workshops: Offer workshops on topics like budgeting, investing, social media safety, and navigating healthcare options, empowering members with valuable skills.

• Host guest speaker sessions: Invite financial advisors, legal professionals, and end-of-life planning experts to provide members with relevant information and resources.

• Incorporate technology training: Offer beginner-friendly workshops on using smartphones, tablets, and online platforms, connecting members with the digital world.

• Organize fitness and wellness activities: Promote physical and mental well-being through group fitness classes, health seminars, and mindfulness workshops.

• Facilitate peer-to-peer learning: Encourage knowledge sharing by organizing book clubs, discussion groups, and skill-exchange programs.