Saftely

Our Youth are our future. And strong, healthy, positive young people translates into a strong, healthy, positive community. We want our youth to be hopeful about their future, and we want to provide them the opportunities to fuel that hope. That’s why Henson Ridge Community Supportive Services Program (CSSP) has teamed with some of the area’s most accomplished youth service providers to create a new set of youth-oriented programs.

Titled the “Youth and Family Enhancement Project”, the program is being funded by a grant from the Henson Ridge developers to the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA). Ms. Elelta Agonafer, Henson Ridge Site Manager, thinks this effort will mean a new beginning for area youth. “We are really excited about all these area organizations collaborating to provide these youth programs for Henson Ridge and the community!” says Ms. Agonafer. “It shows our youth there’s a whole big world out there. It gives them opportunities and hope; and steers them in a more positive direction.”

Organizations involved in the collaboration are the East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership (ERCPCP), KidSafe Inc., Peaceholics, and Sasha Bruce Youthworks Inc. The services provided by these organizations will minister to youth in grade school up to 20 years old.

The young people participating in this effort will have access to a wide array of educational programs including reading and math reinforcement, computer technology training as well as receive after-school mentoring while enjoying safe study environments. Health issues such as pregnancy and HIV prevention, will be addressed. In addition, the youth will receive direct and family counseling; life skills and alternatives to violence, and the opportunity to become delegates to the Youth Community Civic Association Committee.

Ms. Kymberleighe Richardson, a Project Director at Sasha Bruce Youthworks is excited her organization will be a part of this team bringing this array of powerful new options to young people. “We want to help (the youth) understand where they are, and how to get to where they need to be,” explains Ms. Richardson. She stresses that when it comes to our youth these new programs will ensure that “more positive activities are taking place,” she says. “The youth will be given something constructive,” to counter negative influences around them.

For more information on the Youth and Family Enhancement Project call Henson Ridge CSSP at (202) 610.6090.