(219) 980-7120 or
(219) 887-2046
P.O. Box M622
Gary, IN 46401

Board of Directors

Dr. Vernon G. Smith
President

Dwight Pointer
Vice President

Daniel Baker
Secretary-Treasurer

Rev. Richard Wilford
Chaplain

Goals and Objectives

Tutoring| Counseling | Entrepreneurial Incentives| Parenting | 
24 Hour Crisis Intervention | Recreation | Male Responsibility

To provide young, African-American males the opportunity to improve their academic achievement.

It is essentially important that we allow them opportunities to prepare and/or strengthen their skills in subject areas where some degree of difficulty has been detected. When we do this we enable them to continue to excel.

1. Two days a week, tutors are provided to members for three TUTORIAL hours after regular school hours. This tutoring concentrates in the subject area--e.g., math, science, English, reading, computer, etc.

2. Former teachers or college students with exceptional skills in subject areas provide one-on-one instructional assistance in a small group setting.

3. Members of the organization also receive academic counseling while they participate.

4. Members who are enrolled are required to attend regularly and are responsible for reporting absences in advance. 

5. To stimulate among African American males an attitude that leads to self-confidence, trust and a sense of responsibility necessary to survive in our complex society.

The program attempts to help males, through psycho-social intervention, to overcome self-defeating behaviors, identify their

COUNSELING needs, express and cope with feelings appropriately, improve interpersonal and interpersonal relationships and lead a healthy, chemically free lifestyle.

1. Individual and/or family therapy is provided for individuals who need the service on an as needed basis by experienced social workers.  

2. Participants are evaluated on a case by case basis. Individualized treatment agreement is designed that addresses each one’s needs.

3. The program networks on behalf of the participants and serves as a liaison to legal systems, educational facilities and other social service entities.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

* Self-esteem

* Defiant behavior

* Peer Pressure

* Gang involvement

* Depression

* Coping skills

* Conflict resolution

* Male responsibility

* Anger management

Presently the African-American Achievers Youth Corps, Inc. operates ENTREPRENEURIAL INCENTIVES for youth participants.

To teach members of the African-American Achievers how to earn money and prepare themselves for the business world.  The program serves as an alternative to our African-American males going out and selling drugs and getting involved in other illegal activities.

ENTREPRENEURIAL* Owns and operates a concession stand in the shopping mall

* Owns and operates a Snack Container Services for local business and social service agencies

* Offers cash profits to members from the selling of coupons from area McDonald’s and Burger King Restaurants 

*To provide group mentoring to African American male youth. Our model is not dependent on a large number of adult/mentors.

Our system assures that all youth contacts are under direct supervision of more than one adult at all times. Mentoring topics include anger MENTORING management, conflict resolution, respect for adults, respect for womanhood, goal setting, knowing oneself, rites of passage, etc. Group mentoring occurs every Saturday.

To provide positive approaches for parents to address the many problems their children are facing. As our young men attempt to move from childhood to adulthood, they are confronted with complex situations in our communities. There is an urgency to create alternative ways to aid our parents in providing a wholesome and adaptable living environment.

Support groups provide an additional support mechanism. They provide a 
means for parents to receive on-going support acquire, techniques and 
skills to cope with youth behaviors and maximize their young 
men’s development. The groups empower parents to positively 
direct their children to a successful future.

1. Parents meet weekly for one and one-half hours in a socio- educational setting to

a. Gain knowledge and resources which enable them to better serve as parents

b. Improve parenting skills and increase level of responsibility

c. Increase knowledge for selecting alternatives to problematic situations

PARENTING

d. Receive up-dated materials on issues affecting their children, and

e. Receive insight from the child’s perspective

2. Group activities include

a. Role playing

b. Open discussion

c. Problem-solving methods; and

d. Guest lecturers

3. Groups contain from 10-25 parents each

4. Groups are open to all parents and/or any adult who 
interact with the child on a regular basis

5. To provide 24 hour professional crisis intervention support to both the
child and the parent when they might not be able to resolve conflicts on their own.

Mediators step in on behalf of both parties to assess and offer
solutions. This action aids in providing alternatives to
calling the police, kicking the child out or provoking one to become
physical.

1. Members of the Board of Directors or professional counselors are
available on a rotating basis to assist in troubled areas.

24 HOUR CRISIS INTERVENTION 

2. We provide the parents and children with alternative solutions
to their problems.

3. We assist in providing appropriate problem-solving techniques.

4. We assist parents in regaining a level of control, respect and security.

5. To provide wholesome recreation for Gary youth, especially African
American males.

Gary lacks social outlets for young people. Within the boundaries are
one (1) theater, one (1) skating ring and one (1) dance club. The latter
two (2) are not positive for our youth. Instead, they have been trouble
spots for the community.

RECREATION The lack of recreation causes young people to stand on the corners and often to get into trouble. Gang activity has become the major social outlet for many African-American male youth. This has been detrimental to the community.

1. At a neutral site, Indiana University Northwest, members are given
opportunity to play basketball on Saturdays.

2. Twice per year the organization sponsors SportsNight Sleepovers.
The members and guest are allowed to participate in sports activities
from Friday evening until Sunday noon.

3. Once per month (10 times during the summer break) members and
guests participate in cultural and recreational outing.

4. To teach the young men to feel good about themselves (build self respect)
To teach male abstinence and sexual responsibility

To develop ownership of parental responsibility by providing
opportunities for young men to interact with other young men 
who have become successful fathers and family members.

MALE To develop a sense of empowerment (you are in control of you RESPONSIBILITY and that of your child)

To develop a sense of chainsim--, "Each one save one".  Once you are
on the right track, find another man and help him to get on the right track

Strategies include:

1. Encouraging men to legitimize their child (ren)

2. Encouraging men back in school or to get a G.E.D.
(to build self-esteem and financial means) Tutoring and
alternative education opportunities will be provided

3. Encouraging men to find a job, no matter how menial and
to learn financial responsibility. Assistance will be given

4. Teach men to change diapers, feed and bathe their child (ren)
and to respect the child’s mother

5. Teaching pre-marital sexual responsibility

The African American Achievers Youth Corps, Inc. was founded in 1993. The
Corps began with six (6) members. With a concept of Black Discipleship 
(one save one) we now have over 200 members.

Our success record is most impressive--see clippings.

Our male responsibility component is one of the ones that need further development. 
With funding we will execute the program as outlined above.