Program Overview/Mission Statement

CHANGINGFOCUS strives to identify the best plan of empowerment for youth, to continue life transition, as well as equipping them with the skills necessary to lead healthy productive lives.

Department Staff

Vickie Gillison CHANGINGfocus Supervisor

Erica Young Site Supervisor

John Massey III Prevention Educator

Jennifer Schmitter Data Entry Clerk

PHAT Program (Preventionfocus Helping After-school Teens)

For students 9^th –12^th grades, attending Grover Cleveland high school

After-School Activities Include

§ Tutorial

The tutoring component in this after-school program is an educational enrichment piece for all students that are enrolled in the PHAT Program. Tutorial services may cover topics such as math, reading, science, and history. We provide homework help Monday through Friday, 2:30pm-5:30pm.

§ Supper Club-Females

This ten-week workshop is designed for young ladies that are enrolled in the PHAT Program. They meet once a week and discuss issues, questions, and concerns that are specific to girls. The PHAT program uses Botvin Life Skills Series, which is a state-approved curriculum. These workshops will enhance their self worth, self-esteem and give them skills to refuse alcohol and other drugs. The workshop also focuses on abstinence from sex and pregnancy prevention. Ladies get the opportunity to learn basic cooking skills and proper table etiquette while dining.

§ The BLOC (Building Leadership Out of Cooking)

This is the first male supper club held by Preventionfocus Inc. This ten-week workshop consists of cooking, fellowship, and learning opportunities for the guys. The BLOC was designed for young men to come together in unity, to talk about problems in their surroundings, and to learn how to become a RESPONSIBLE male. These workshops will enhance young men’s understanding of themselves in the areas od goal setting, relationships and communication, men’s health, values and virtues, conflict resolution, self-esteem, and media literacy.

§ Community Services

The PHAT Program supports students in promoting service, activism, and community-based research

to address needs identified by the community.

§ Field Trips

The PHAT Program and the Teenfocus department work together to provide students that are enrolled in our programs, the opportunity to go on various field trips. Each field trip is chaperoned by the staff of the PHAT Program and the Teenfocus department. Field trips have included NBA basketball games, college tours, camping trips, and many more. Parents are also encouraged to chaperone field trips.

§ Guest Speakers

Guest speakers provide valuable information as well as enrich the program. Guest speakers are invited to speak to the PHAT program students once a month.

· Arts and Crafts

This workshop is designed to tap into student creative abilities. It is fun and educational. This is a ten-week rotating program component that involves hands on art instruction by the staff of Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

· The B.R.I.D.G.E. Mentoring Program (Building Relationships by Introducing and Developing Goals Effectively)

This program’s mission is to provide a structured one-to one partnership with a mentor and mentee, that focuses on the needs of young people, and that encourages young people to develop to their fullest potential. Business and members of the community serve as mentors, who share with students the value of education, and introduce them to the world of works. This relationship assists students in the ability to recognize and develop alternative responses to the problems that destroy the lives of too many young people today.

Collaborating Partners

Coalition for After School Funding (CASF)

Action of New York works in communities throughout the state and nation.Their efforts are to improve health care, provide quality education and after-school programs. www.citizenactionny.org

State Incentive Community Assessment Project (SICA)

The purpose of the coalition is to build and maintain a grass root partnership to reduce alcohol and other drug abuse among 12-17 year olds living on Buffalo’s West side. The mission of the coalition is to promote positive behaviors by effectively empowering diverse communities through collaborative education and support.

Additional collaborating partners

· Teenfocus Department

· Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Program www.cce.cornell.edu

· Albright-Knox Art Gallery www.albrightknox.org/education/artattack

· Grace Manor Nursing Home www.nursing-homes.biz/nursing-home-details

Service Schedule for Upcoming Session

Two weeks after-school begins

September

Two weeks before school ends

June