PROGRAMS

Street Smart Youth Project programs are designed to help at-risk youth and young adults identify their personal strengths and take control of the thoughts and feelings that drive high-risk behavior. Both youth and young adults participate in weekly group sessions conducted by clinically-trained counselors and/or by trained staff who deliver prevention education and who facilitate discussions around critical issues to participants. SSYP programs focus on building resiliency and place a special emphasis on prevention regarding delinquent and criminal behavior, alcohol and substance abuse, and HIV awareness and prevention.

All programs work arduously toward this mission through the delivery of the following prevention and early intervention services via behavioral health and public health strategies:

• HIV, STI, Drug, Alcohol and Pregnancy Prevention
• Health Education (evidenced-based group interventions)
• Drop-In and Out of School (alternatives to risk behaviors during out of school time)
• Mentoring
• Academic Support and Remediation
• Case Management/Supportive Services
• Internships/Vocational Skills Training
• Community Outreach/Advocacy
• Environmental Strategies

WHO DO WE SERVE

The primary population served by SSYP is youth, ages 10-17, who live with two or more of the following risk factors:

• Low-income
• Single- parent household
• Academic interruption/under achievement
• At risk for or history of juvenile delinquency

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A secondary population served by SSYP includes adults, ages 18 and older, who share two or more of the following risk factors:

• Under-resourced socio economic status
• Interrupted education (no HS Diploma/GED)
• Unemployment or underemployment
• Criminal history
• History of alcohol/substance use