2004
MAYOR’S FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY MATCHING  GRANTS

PROJECT SUMMARIES 

The YMCA Downtown Family Center provided at-risk children from low-income families the opportunity to participate in a youth basketball league, which is centered on character building. Through the “Character Counts – Youth Basketball” program, the boys and girls learned the value of team sports, positive sportsmanship and the core character traits of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith. These character traits were introduced at practices and games, through guest speakers, and reinforced by the volunteer coaches and neighborhood participants. The reward system was such that when a student exhibited a core character trait, the youth received a color-coded bead to place on their character necklace. The goal was to have the boys and girls collect many beads to make a necklace, which they wore with great pride and a sense of accomplishment and recognition.

Projects were performed with students from the Holden Heights Neighborhood Association through the after-school programs at Catalina Elementary School. The project combined service learning projects with a teaching goal, to help the students better the community, themselves and their academic achievement.

This project was created to encourage students to continue education beyond high school and to teach them how to research, apply for and gain admission to college, universities, vocational schools or the military.
 

This project was a 12-week mentoring program targeting youth and young adults. It provided character building skills to youth dealing with the transition from adolescence to adulthood. It utilized mentors, tutors, big brothers and sisters, parents and teachers to ensure volunteerism and community participation. 
 

The People’s Theater, in partnership with the Washington Shores Neighborhood Association, provided youth character development through theatrical productions, dance and song. The objective of this program was to help the youth identify and enhance talents and skills that would help them become productive and accomplished adults. The project targeted 100 youth, between the ages of 7 and 17, using theater as a medium for educational and personal development in the areas of team building, responsibility, accountability, dedication and self-discipline. The youth learned how to make positive and strong presentations and understand the impact of making a good first impression. They participated in workshops and hands-on experiences in the various aspects of stage production, including cast and crew positions.

Rainbow Charitables, in partnership with the Crossroads Tenant Association, conducted the YOUTH Character And Responsibility Education (C.A.R.E.) program for youth between the ages of 11 and 18. YOUTH C.A.R.E. was designed to instill character traits in youth to assist them in becoming successful adults. The program enhanced the youth’s awareness of civic duty and promoted responsibility and volunteerism in the community. It consisted of four components: Ladies of Essences/Men of Standards; Power to Say No; Panel discussions; and United We Stand. The project enhanced the youth’s awareness of civic duty and promoted responsibility and volunteerism in the community.

The “Let the Children Sing! Again!” program was designed to give youth an opportunity to look at the production side of music as a possible career. Such careers include singers, producers, musicians, songwriters and sound technicians. After an eight-week training session, participants worked with a production crew and assisted in the production of musical and theatrical performances.

WEEKENDS® of Dr. Phillips, in partnership with the Windhover Condominium Association, hosted positive activity choices for Dr. Phillips High School students. This project helped build character and positive working relationships with parents, students and community leaders, by providing resources to participate in constructive and fun activities. Youth learned how to plan, implement and execute community service projects. Another goal of this project was to increase youth and parental involvement and teach civic responsibility. Nearly 1,000 teens were involved in safe social activities; with 90 teens choosing from among six additional “alternative events” designed to target students who normally do not participate in WEEKENDS® activities. Ten community service activities were planned which involved 80 teens in over 400 hours of service. Leadership development activities included training and mentoring opportunities, as well as a leadership conference and monthly Youth Leadership Council meetings.