S.T.R.E.E.T. is an acronym for our afterschool and summer program that supports young men living in potentially high-risk communities in Kalamazoo.
- Survival: We provide immediate support to help them survive.
- Trust: We build relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
- Resources: We provide the resources they need.
- Education: We provide education and opportunities to rebuild self-esteem.
- Empowerment: We empower them to move forward.
- They: The results. They become productive and positive role models for their peer group and neighborhood.
S.T.R.E.E.T.’s goal is to eliminate barriers in our communities that expose underserved boys (age 10-17) to the inequities of life. The program is structured to eliminate racial barriers and stigmas that have a negative influence. We work to reduce risk factors in targeted neighborhoods, such as the north side of Kalamazoo. By using a trauma-focused approach, we provide services for boys who are academically, socially, or emotionally delayed, experience behavioral/mental health problems as a reflection of vulnerabilities in the communities in which they live, and work to decrease underage drinking and drug use among these adolescents.
