Access & Opportunity Program Overview
DMI is dedicated to enhancing and building up the self-esteem, behavior, academic achievement and leadership skills of students, guiding them towards becoming successful adults. Through a series of constructed events and programs, we aim to provide comprehensive support that addresses various aspects of student development.
Dynamic Mindset Initiative
DMI provides mentoring and life skills activities that focus on preventing criminal behaviors and reinforcing pro-social behaviors. The specific target of the services is to help youth who are juvenile delinquent learn to manage anger and conflict, boost their self-esteem through positive reinforcement, address mental health issues like depression, and move out of situations likely to involve them in gangs, crime, violence, and substance abuse. DMI will implement services for Social Intervention, with significant elements of Opportunities Provision, and Community Mobilization as strategies designed to reduce juvenile delinquency activity and help high-risk juvenile delinquent involved youth move from a life of violence and crime to a healthy, productive adulthood.
Objectives
1. Enhance Self-Esteem: Through mentoring and confidence activities.
2. Behavioral Improvement: Implement strategies to promote positive behavior.
3. Academic Support: Provide tutoring and resources to improve academic performance.
4. Leadership Development: Cultivate leadership skills through training and practical experiences.
Target Participants:
Young men age 13-18 in Caddo Parish
Mentor/Coach:
A lot is expected of our mentors, and we make sure they are aware of those expectations: Serve as an example/role model to demonstrate:
1) the pride of being an man,
2) provide motivation for academic and personal achievement,
3)provide a listening ear,
4)provide direction on tough decisions, and establish meaningful relationships with our young men to ensure success in their lives, schools, and communities.
Be willing to share a realistic view of our own stories of success including some failures or learning opportunities that may prevent the young men from experiencing unnecessary hardships. Support the self-realization and improved self-esteem of our young men. Have the ability to accept and relate to youth who may not share the mentor's lifestyle and values. The mentor respects the young man's right to self-determination and independence. This respect is an essential element in the relationship. Regularly exhibit acceptance, common sense, friendliness, and always provide a safe environment for our young men. DMI's Mentoring Program functions well because of our internal practices, policies and our continuous efforts to incorporate youth and their parents/guardians feedback into program effectiveness.
We're Better Together.
Mentor/Coach Selection Process
DMI uses the MENTOR National Elements of Effective Practices: Mentor Recruitment. Ensuring that the success of the young men remains our top priority. Through our recruitment efforts, mentors see the benefits of mentoring and the role they play in ensuring the success of the young men.
Screening Prospective Mentors
Mentors must make a minimum of a one year commitment to the program in which the mentor may be asked to work directly with a you on certain aspects of development or assist with programmatic tasks important to accomplishing the mission of transforming boys to men. In addition to a time commitment, mentors are screened to ensure they have the tools necessary to commit to being a mentor and truly have the desire to be an effective mentor. There is an application and interview process for all potential mentors. Through our screening process, we are able to determine if mentors are suitable for and committed to the program.
Matching and Initiating
We take into consideration many characteristics of both mentors and mentees including age, similar experiences, interests, personalities, communication styles and preferences, goals, gender, proximity, etc. Initial matching sessions provide opportunities for both mentors and mentees to get to know each other and provide input on match preferences.
Monitoring and Support
Throughout the program, mentors are provided on-going support and their progress is monitored. We also get feedback from mentees to share with mentors and guidance on our program structure. We help mentor's problem solve and provide additional training and other resources that may be needed as they interact with their mentees. In addition, mentors meet frequently for peer problem solving sessions, checkins, advice, discuss benchmarks and outcomes, and provide each other guidance.
Acheiving Goals.
Group Dialogue
Saturday (Monthly)
Group dialogue on issues faced by mentees. Mentors provide feedback to help solve issues. Mentors and mentees will decide on outing locations during the Saturday meeting.
Additional Details
Meeting Frequency: Mentors will connect with their
mentees twice a week through various locations such as phone, school, community parks, or libraries.
Monthly Outing: Each mentor will coordinate with their
mentees during the Saturday group meeting to
decide on an outing location for the month. Outings
aim to promote social engagement and good
public behavior manners.
Group Dialogue Session: Once a month, on a Saturday, all mentors and mentees will gather
as a group. During this session, mentees can discuss issues they are facing, and mentors will
offer constructive feedback and guidance
to help resolve those issues.
This chart provides a clear structure for mentor-mentee interactions and ensures regular engagement and support for the mentees.
