Our Methods
The importance of programs dedicated to children's mental health has become increasingly evident due to the alarming rise in mental health illnesses. Factors such as unstable living situations, loss of parental support, rises in gun violence, large educational gaps, and excessive social media access have contributed to a surge in conditions like anxiety, depression, suicide, and other behavioral issues. Innovative approaches like Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and restorative practices are making a profound impact in this field.
The Need: Children's Mental Health Crisis
Our Practices
Our organization is built around the research-proven data that has consistanly shown how SEL and restorative practices aid in erraticating children’s mental health illnesses. We don’t just focus on reactionary measures in children's mental health; we work to prevent these illnesses from spreading into families, communities, and future generations.
Our SEL programs teach children essential emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, equipping them to navigate complex emotions and relationships more effectively, while our restorative practices focus on repairing harm, fostering accountability, and building healthier communities within schools.
By integrating these innovative practices into children's mental health programs, we are not only addressing the growing mental health crisis but also promoting resilience, empathy, and positive social interactions that are essential for their long-term well-being and community improvement.
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Social Emotional Learning skills are aimed at mitigating future negative behavior and reducing the need for restorative practices to be implemented. This is done through programs like our our weekly social-emotional learning groups in which self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness competencies are taught.
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Restorative practices are essential to success in our low socio-economic urban communities. Focused on life-long developmental changes as opposed to punitive retributive systems, children are taught to rethink the connections between emotional reactions and their environment. This shifts the focus from punitive retaliation to teaching healthy socially conscious communication skills and conflict resolution while emphasizing the importance of community.
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We use tools and activities that inspire self-exploration and emotional development to help children see how their feelings and unique experiences play a role in their everyday lives.
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Through interactive activities we help children understand the importance of how nutrition and physical activity impact their overall well being.
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Using a small group learning structure, we inspire children to build and navigate healthy and meaningful relationships at home, at school, and in the community.