PROJECT AWARE

Program Description

Programs funded through Project AWARE are designed to fill gaps in services, or enhance existing services, to promote the healthy functioning of youth and families. Programs range in scope and focus. Positive Youth Development programs are designed to build skills and competencies of young people, nurture the pursuit of their goals and aspirations, and strengthen family, peer, school and community connections. Group programs develop skills such as budgeting or assertive communication and have an experiential component such as apartment hunting or wilderness survival. Participants learn about poignant teen issues, such as anti-bullying and human development, and sponsor a community service project. Mental Health services respond to young people who are experiencing emotional distress related to complicated life stressors including significant losses or an addiction illness of a loved-one. Programs educate and support participants to aid in their development of resiliency skills and make positive social and emotional.

Some of the programs have been co-sponsored and funded through donations, sponsorship and private and public mini-grants and enhancement funds to fill the gaps in needed services. All of the program leaders strive for cultural competency and to afford accessibility.

Child Welfare services assist and empower families to meet basic needs and maintain a supportive family environment. Programs aim to reduce barriers to accessing services, such as: financial hardship; lack of access to behavioral health providers; and lack of transportation. These services include: application assistance and case management and coordination of New Beginnings Back-to-School supplies in collaboration with Gloria Day Lutheran Church, Holiday Gift Giving made possible through community and corporate donations, and Parent And Community Efforts (PACE) to assist families with complicated issues access support.

Program Goals

  • Relieve Emotional Distress - Mental health services respond to youth and families who are experiencing emotional distress related to significant losses or trauma.
  • Reduce Barriers - Programs aim to reduce barriers to accessing services due to financial hardship, lack of access to behavioral health providers, and lack of transportation.
  • Positive Youth Development - Positive youth development group programs are designed to build skills and competencies of young people, nurture the pursuit of their goals and aspirations, and strengthen family, peer, school, and community connections.
  • Family Empowerment- Child welfare programs assist and empower families to meet basic needs and maintain a supportive family environment.

Successful Project Aware Programs

  • Bananas Split Too!
  • Bristol Peer Education
  • The Paul Vivian Internship Program
  • Young Men's Issues Group
  • Young Women's Issues Group

Project Aware Programs Printable Brochure

/DocumentCenter/View/18741/Program-Flyer-Lunch-Buddies

/DocumentCenter/View/19566/Peer-Education