Organized Group Activities

Programming is centered on groups that support and meet the juvenile's physical, emotional, spiritual and social development. 

Opportunities

Groups afford youth opportunities to learn more about themselves to become more self-aware. They are meant to guide in self-discovery while helping youth learn about their strengths, interests, and preferences. Youth are encouraged to take ownership of their beliefs-with the foundational belief that it is possible to shape the direction of one's life by setting goals and the steps to achieve those particular goals. Some of these groups are facilitated by our staff, some by various professionals through grant funding, and many by the dedicated volunteers from our community.

• Art
• Bible Studies
• Men and Women's empowerment
• Physical Fitness and Recreation
• Relationship Issues

Programming

Programming at the Youth Services Center (YSC) has an intentional aspect that seeks to help each youth to know and believe in oneself, to plan for what he/she wants in the future, establishing a specific action plan to achieve those goals, and then knowing how to access the supports needed to achieve those goals. We are committed to helping youth identify key self-determination skills that will help them achieve the life they want. We believe it is critical that youth are developing these skills while at JDC and in transition. To that end, our groups are focused on teaching self-determination skill building in the following areas:

• Choice/decision making
• Conflict resolution and self-regulation
• Goal setting
• Self-advocacy
• Social Problem solving

Overall, we desire to help youth to lead more determined lives. One could aptly borrow a famous line from a familiar Dr. Seuss book: You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

Intentional Programming

Finally, intentional programming for youth will also include life skills groups in the areas of vocational and career planning, negotiating health risk behaviors and effective communication skills anchored to self-advocacy and helping youth to appropriately express their needs and identify short term and long term goals.

Mentoring

The YSC offers youth who are open to being matched with a caring responsible adult mentor. Mentors are volunteers that come from the community and are dedicated to making a positive difference in the life of a youth. They provide support and guidance to youth and each youth's unique needs. Mentors are recruited either through Campus Life or The TeamMates Mentoring Program.

Chaplaincy Program

The Chaplain, through Campus Life, is available upon request or to assist with any spiritual needs of the youth and their families. This person also assists with coordinating the services of the volunteers who conduct regular Bible studies and/or special events at the Center. Their desire is to help youth explore faith, discover purpose, make good decisions and to find hope and courage to live a productive and enriching life. Bibles and other supportive literature are donated by generous members of the community.