MENTORING AND TUTORING
Research shows that crime rates
increase for adolescents that engage in risky behaviors between the hours of 2pm and 6pm everyday after school. The National
Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center reports that youth need access to after-school programs where they can participate
in activities in a safe and structured environment during these hours.
We started a mentoring and tutoring program November
2008 for middle school students ages 11-14. The youth played games and did arts and crafts on Fridays from
3pm to 6pm. They used work-finds and other puzzles and games to learn new skills. Today we work with youth and their
families to help improve communication.
We have a mentoring partnership with the Institute
for Family Centered Services (IFCS). In 2008, during spring break, 10-15 youth went to Dave and Busters in Rockville,
Maryland for an afternoon of fun, games, and lunch last year. Today's Family gave a substance prevention workshop for
the youth during spring break. This mentoring event was funded by the Montgomery County Department of
Health and Human Services Under 21 Program.
We are planning another spring break program with IFSC
again this year. The activities are managed by mental health therapist that volunteer to work with the program.
LET'S TALK
We are putting together a communication workshop where
parents can discuss different communication issues and styles in a relaxed and sharing environment. The workshop will
focus on helping parents learn skills they can use to relieve tension between family members and improve family relationships.
BASKET BALL CAMP
Katrina Colleton, former WNBA guard and forward for
the Los Angeles Sparks a former player with the Miami Sol's will give a Basket Ball camp for youth in the Good Hope mentoring
program during spring break. After her exciting professional career, Katrina went back to school and earned a Masters degree
in Marriage and Family Counseling. She is a licensed counselor in Montgomery County, Maryland.
