Two local organizations are providing counseling services at the Resource Center, with an emphasis on curtailing violence.
The Niles Home For Children offers counseling focusing on teen-dating violence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in 11 adolescents is a victim of physical violence inflicted during a dating situation. According to the CDC, such victims are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, binge drink, use drugs and attempt suicide. The Niles Home is also available to offer drug counseling.
The Rose Brooks Center provides outreach counseling and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence. Rose Brooks' services seek to empower victims, supporting them in their efforts to secure employment, child care and safe housing.
The Freedom Fire program at the Clymer Center emphasizes improving reading and math skills. Starting this fall, the W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center will also provide tutoring services at the Clymer Center for students in grade 2 through 12.
The Girl and Boy Scouts are one of three mentoring programs offered through the Resource Center.
Also, the First Call "Helping Our Kids" program seeks to prevent children from using drugs through helping them establish personalized plans for a healthy lifestyle. The 12th Street Heritage Development Corporation's mentoring program targets youths 14 to 20 for workshops and seminars covering topics that include "Becoming a Productive Citizen in the Community" and "Avoiding Drug and Alcohol Use."
A drug prevention coordinator from United Inner City Services will identify youths who have already used drugs or developed substance abuse problems, then refer them to an appropriate treatment option. The coordinator will also provide information -- through brochures, health fairs, public service announcements, etc. -- about the prevalence of substance abuse and the psychological, physical and social damage it causes.
The Housing Authority's Youth Build Drug Prevention Program, likewise, is raising awareness about the risks associated with drug abuse, including its impact on physical health and maintaining stable employment. The program's objective is to give participants the skills to resist drug use, while urging them to participate in constructive activities.
The Local Investment Commission (LINC) after-school and summer programs for elementary- and middle school-aged children offers games, sports, music, group discussions and other activities designed to promote self-esteem through group interaction.
Meanwhile, the Pythons Drill Team offers programs in five core areas: 1) Character and Leadership Development; 2) Education and Career Development; 3) Health and Life Skills; 4) The Arts; and 5) Sports, Fitness and Recreation.
The Clymer Center Game Room is also available for use.
The United Services Community Action Agency's comprehensive job readiness training program includes individualized job coaching and case management, in addition to job search assistance.
The Guidance Academy of STEM provides meals to participants through the Summer Food Services Program.