RITES OF PASSAGE | new-fhsn

Emphasizing young boys interacting with other young boys to develop positive life styles, and positive solutions to life problems by recognizing their strengths, their talents and abilities is the core concept of the Africentric Youth & Family Rites of Passage Program. This highly therapeutic culture specific after-school intervention seeks to build character in young African-American boys. The concept of building character we feel, will ultimately translate into better school performance, more respectful behaviors and stronger family and community assets.

Under the guidance of well-trained and committed staff, experts from the community and a council of Community Elders who have a genuine commitment to their passage into manhood, young boys will internalize the Afro-centric principles by which youth and their families can become constructive contributors to their families and community, through a positive appreciation of themselves and their culture.

Who Qualifies . . .

African American males ages 11-14 years;
African American male youth and their parents/guardians who have experienced racism, discrimination and violence;
African American male youth and their parents/guardians identified through the criminal justice system, diversion programs, churches and religious organizations, community-based programs and local schools; and
Meet the minimum criteria as defined and set forth in the PEI Screening Tool.

Program Overview . . .

AFRICENTRIC YOUTH & FAMILY RITES OF PASSAGE

Africentric Rites of Passage Program - Desert Regon is now accepting applications for the 2015 cycle. African-American males age 11-15 are encouraged to apply. The program serves the entire Coachella Valley, including Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, La Quinta and Indio. Acceptance into the program is on a first to apply and meet the requirements basis. Click on the green icon to download application. Complete the application and fax to the fax number specified on the application. The application must be completly filled out.

APPLY NOW!

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APPLICATION

Prevention

Guiding Good Choices

Sisters of NIA

Responsibility

Respect

Restraint

Reconciliation

Reciprocity

Realness

Reason

Interconnectedness

Interdependence

Inclusivity

Participatory

Patience

Perseverance

Sacrifice

Spirituality

Cooperation

Sharing

Rites of Passage programs are a leading intervention for African-American males. We provide a safe, programmatically rich, no cost program to the underserved African-American population of the Desert Region. Our facilities are culturally rich, comfortable and meet the highest standards and requirements in the industry. With our emphasis on evidence-based practices, positive skill development and high cultural regard combined with our supportive therapeutic approach, our program is a highly effective solution for our youth.

The program offers a life-changing experience for boys as they strive to examine, explore, dissect, articulate and most importantly develop strategies that will help to eradicate the inter-generational challenges experienced by young and older Black males.

The goal of Rites of Passage – Desert Region is to simulate a culturally rich environment that presents practical strategies, techniques and solutions through the presentation of interactive modules of skills and knowledge, expert presenters, best practices and resources that will assist boys in developing realistic models and concrete recommendations they can put into practice in their own lives and communities. The modules are designed to offer programming and intervention strategies that are psychologically and cognitively appropriate for African-American male youth. ROP becomes a place for transformative action and communication where boys, staff and Elders (male & female) can share intellectual, emotional, spiritual and cultural opportunities for growth and development that improves the quality of life for African American males, their families and their communities.

We have purposely infused a discovery engine to help provoke meaningful knowledge. Our boys will be exposed to Art, Science & Technology, Culture & History, Literature, Creativity & Innovation, Media & Communication and Thought & Opinion.

Youth receive consistent and caring discipleship from skilled and committed staff and elders. Meeting the needs of our boys and helping them to discover themselves is the key to our success. Only within this context of a safe, trusting and supportive environment — along with strong parental and community involvement can long-lasting behavioral changes and empowerment be instilled.

What's in it for my son?

When, Where and How Long . . .

The Desert Region Africentric Youth & Family Rites of Passage Program is facilitated at the beautiful, culturally rich BRANCH House in Palm Desert, California. The program is delivered three days per week in three hour sessions for the nine month school year, beginning in September 2014. Program times are: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday through Thursday. Youth participants are provided transportation and a healthy meal is served at each session.

The Rites of Passage Program is staffed by qualified and highly trained Youth Development Workers, a Program Clinician, Clinical Supervisor and a Program Director, all of whom have unique knowledge of the African-American culture and a sincere commitment to building resilience in the African-American families of this region.

African Culture—Ancient Africa BC/BCE
Racism/Oppression
Social Etiquette
Physical Health & Hygiene
African Culture—Ancient
Self-Esteem / Self-Discipline
Anger Management
Effective Communication
Drugs
Gang Diversion
Inclusivity—Diversity
Father/Son Relationships
Male/Female Relationships
Dreams Path of Life
Health, Exercise, Nutrition & Cooking
Conflict Resolution
Rules and Consequences
Anti-Bullying
Racial Profiling
Domestic Violence & Abuse
The Hidden Rules
Money Sense
Respect— Family & Community
Social Media Dangers
Post Secondary Education & Careers

Creative and innovative methods are utilized to explore a wide range of topics that help African-American boys internalize the Africentric principles by which the program is built upon:

The program encourages and supports academic achievement, however building character is not an academic undertaking, therefore our programming primarily focuses on strengthening awareness of moral obligations and the moral significance of choices (ethical consciousness), enhancing the desire to do the right thing (ethical commitment) and improving the ability to foresee potential consequences, devise options, and implement principled choices (Afriecentric competency). Specific language is used to reinforce core values - Responsibility, Respect, Restraint, Interconnectedness, Interdependence, Patience, Perseverance, Sacrifice, Spirituality, Cooperation, and Sharing – and we are firm and consistent in our teaching, advocating, modeling and enforcing these pillars of character in our youth.

In addition to the knowledge, skills and practice youth receive at the program site, the program is fueled with extracurricular and enrichment activities, weekend retreats, cultural and educational outings, opportunities for travel and opportunities to give back through community service projects.

RITES OF PASSAGE HIGHLIGHTS

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BECOME A COMMUNITY ELDER

Community Elders represent the characteristics the program wishes to instill in the youth and families. It is preferable that the Elders are African-American males 21 years or older, however females may serve as Elders. Elders will be asked to join the Council of Community Elders by entering a covenant that acknowledges the length of service and level of their commitment to the youth participants, their parents and the program staff.

Community Elders meet the standard of a volunteer, therefore must submit to the appropriate criminal background and child abuse index checks. Elders will receive training on the approved program. Elders will be assigned to observe 1-2 youth and will become quasi-mentors or will evaluate youth based upon:

     •     Progress
     •     Attendance
     •     Participation
     •     Discipline
     •     Use of Nguzo Saba/RipsoIPSO

Elders will determine which youth will progress from pre-initiation to the after school intervention. In order that the Elders can make informed decisions the Elders will rotate their attendance in the group of pre-initiation sessions. The Elders will use a point system as a guide to assist them in evaluating the youth’s progress.

In ceremony, Elders discuss youth's strengths and areas for improvement. Elders must demonstrate a sincere passion for working with young men as well as a genuine desire to give back to the community from which the youth and families reside.

If you would like more information about Rites of Passage or how to become an Elder, contact us.