Vital Intervention Breakthrough Empowerment
This program works individually and collectively with abused children and youth ages 10 – 25 to work towards the prevention and eradication of violence using Interactive programming.
Mission Statement
To strengthen the social and emotional well being of youth on the move through therapeutic expression as a way to constructively address issues and concerns of violence in their lives, neighbourhoods and society.
Vision Statement
To educate, inspire and support youth to make healthy life choices in order to maximize their fullest potential and realize their dreams, while promoting non-violence.
Philosophy
“It is no longer a choice between violence and non-violence in this world; it is non-violence or non-existence.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Program Components
Music Interactive Program
Music is a vital part of youth socialization and communication. Our goal is to give children and youth the opportunity to express themselves as an individual as well as part of the larger social community through the art form of music.
The VIBE Program, presently operating at Dr. Roz’s Healing Place, is open to the in-house and ex-resident youth clientele who have witnessed or experienced violence between the ages of 10 to 25. The program is used as an outlet for individuals to express themselves through lyrics and song and vent any issues that may be impeding on their success as a person.
The Program uses different genres of music to help stimulate creativity and spark group discussions about topics such as anger, pain, accomplishment, success and personal growth. Each participant has the opportunity to create a song by the end of each 12-week term. The Music Interactive Program has its ear to the pulse of youth today, and definitely helps youth become the creative leaders of tomorrow.
Drumming Circle: We all know that it is healthy and normal for a youth to feel angry and want to express that anger in different ways. Our approach differs in that we help our youth to channel their feelings through the healing art of drumming. Using rhythmic beats to ‘hammer out their frustrations’ sparks their creativity and frees them from the confines of their emotional prison.
Media Interactive Program
The Media Interactive Program allows youth to express themselves creatively while addressing issues that affect their lives on an emotional, psychological and socio-economic level. Analysis of movies, television shows, internet sites, books, newspapers and magazines that focus on youth facilitates discussion of stereotypes, oppression, peer pressure and other related issues.
We have also recently partnered with CRUE TV – www.cruetv.com , in helping youth to create, design and film their own stories and ideas as a form of positive self expression.
Life Skills Development Program
This program offers educational activities that encourage self-reflection and growth to help youth develop life skills. These programs address self-esteem issues, examine the root causes of lack of confidence and help youth develop affirmative self-concepts. This program highlights the following topics: body image, empowerment, healthy relationships, identifying barriers and triggers, recognizing the balance of power and the appropriate use of autonomy.
Leadership and Mentorship Program
As graduates of the life skills development program, youth will have the opportunity to train as youth leaders and role models and relate their positive growth experiences to other youth. Through training, youth will deliver presentations to schools, organizations and community groups, thus mobilizing other youth-at-risk through their positive action.
Counselling Support
Youth are provided with individual counselling specific to their needs and a plan of action will be devised detailing personal goals and objectives. Through this program, youth have a positive and safe space to express themselves and be heard.
