| IMPROVING THE ODDS: Young African Americans and Hispanic males are currently confronted with the tremendous task of learning to live in a more fiercely competitive world compared to young males two decades age. Across the country, we are constantly being bombarded with the statistics from the media that state their chances of reaching 21 years of age, educated, in excellent mental and physical health, and not incarcerated or dead are extremely slim. In urban communities around the country where families are living in poverty, it is well documented that young males enrolled in public schools are dropping out at rates faster than suburban males of the same age. Their enrollment in prisons are growing. Professionals and community activists who work in the urban communities also witness the challenges that young males of color face on a daily basis. A vast number of reasons are given for this situation. They all seem to focus on children and their environment. The most common reasons cited for their limited success are: single-female households,few or no positive male role models and educational settings that are disorganized,boring and irrelevant to their daily lives. Regardless of the causes, those of us who care must continue to develop new strategies and programs to stimulate intellectual curiosity and foster positive development in our youth. The key lies in obtaining KNOWLEDGE and EDUCATION. Our young males must be given the opportunity to EXPERIENCE greater school success especially during the primary years. Each student brings to school his life story to school(weather it is good or bad). Eventually, he develops a disposition for participating IN school based on environmental experiences. His life is created and dictated by the values and norms of his family,home,social and school settings. How he sees himself in this scheme of things is called his "REALITY CONTEXT". It is my firm belief that if we are to assist young male students in viewing education as a tool required to navigate a successful life, then it is imperative the we (caring adults) understand their "REALITY CONTEXT" and work effectively to establish respectful relationships validate their boyhood/manhood and self worth. They must be taught to expect challenges and see barriers as new opportunities to grow towards stronger manhood. Secondly, we must educate ourselves regarding the challenges they face in and outside of school. Thirdly, we must create opportunities for them to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding their strengths and their concerns. Ultimately four critical areas of a male's life must be addressed by the mentor experience. They are: feeling of alienation, being able to communicate feelings and emotions about life appropriately, knowing the definition of the rules to manhood and the disjointed view schools and their neighbor"hood". Our youth must be motivated to compete intellectually in a diverse society. However, they cannot do that if they have not been given the proper tools and instructions to survive in this society. The Gussie Wortham Foundation Inc. Mentor Program will attempt this journey of exposure,developing awareness,sharing knowledge and hopefully instilling a love for learning and growing into a positive leader,role model, and provider for our community. Mr. Kenneth Thompson Executive Director Gussie Wortham Foundation Inc. For the prevention of domestic violence/mentor program |
| RESPECT 1) We will respect everyone,especially ourselves. 2) We will recognize individual differences in learning styles,interests and cultures. 3) We will help and encourage others. |
| DEALING WITH FEAR 1) Recognize everyone is afraid of something. 2) Identify your fears. Figure out exactly what you're afraid of (rejection, success, failure or what others might say. Naming your fear can reduce it's power. 3) Talk with someone you trust. Are you being realistic in your own self. 4) Recall your strengths and successes. How have you handled other fearful situations? 5) Evaluate how likely your fears will become reality. If the worst happens, how terrible will it be. 6) Write an action plan to ensure it won't happen. Fear is absence of a plan. Actions the best remedy. 7) Take a low-risk action. If you fear interviewing, practice interviewing with a friend or counselor. 8) Use affirmations and self-talk. Visualize a positive, successful outcome. 9) Face your fears. Take the risk You can do it! You're ready! Go for it! AFTER YOU'VE CONFRONTED YOUR FEARS, YOU'LL BE SURPRISED HOW YOUR CONFIDENCE WILL BE STRENGTHENED. |
| The 2006 Slyvester "Sly" Turner award winner Khadijah Meadows for her excellence in sports and in the classroom. |
| Gussie Wortham Foundation Inc.Executive Director Kenneth Thompson, Beat The Odds award winner Chris Vassell, Tyron Jones and Richard Gonzalez. |
| The Gussie Wortham Foundation Inc. For the prevention of domestic violence promises to provide our future leader's of the community these five promises: 1) PROVIDING ONGOING RELATIONSHIPS WITH CARING ADULTS 2) PROVIDE A SAFE PLACE WITH STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES 3) PROVIDE A HEALTHY START 4) PROVIDE TRAINING FOR MARKETABLE SKILLS 5) PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK |
| RESPONSIBILITY 1) We will keep our community a safe and caring place to work, learn and play. 2) We will encourage life-long learning. 3) We will give our best effort each day. 4) We will take care of our minds, bodies, and souls. |
| SELF-CONTROL 1) We will speak and do appropriate things at all times. 2) We will speak respectfully to everyone we meet. 3) We will show the character traits of our positive role models. 4) "Hands Do Not Hit" 5)"Words Do Not Hurt" 6)"My Hands Will Not Commit Violence" |
| The 2007 Sylvester "Sly" Turner award winner Robert Williams for his excellence in sports and in the classroom. |
CT Warriors and The Team Roc building new friendships at Health Fair with a focus on Gang,
Domestic Violence, Education and taking pride in being a young lady growing into
Womanhood. Health Fair sponsored by Springfield Technical Comm. College.
Domestic Violence, Education and taking pride in being a young lady growing into
Womanhood. Health Fair sponsored by Springfield Technical Comm. College.
