MYDC provides counseling on an individual and group basis to disadvantaged, at-risk youth. MYDC focuses on youth with issues such as parent-child conflict, peer pressure, self-esteem, depression, anger management, substance and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, and education. MYDC provides an outlet for personal and social development as a prevention mechanism to deter unproductive decision making processes, unlawful acts and increased incarceration among many others. MYDC monitors each participant’s progress at home, school, in the program, and within their community.
MYDC staff serves as mentors to many of the young men and women that are in the program. Our personalized, hands on approach, allows youth the freedom and comfortability to express themselves without judgment, knowing they will be heard and guided in the best direction possible. MYDC’s therapeutic processes also include trips and guest speakers that engage and interact with youth for the purpose of positive life exposure, behavior modification, and consequential thinking.
MYDC’s services can be classified into prevention and intervention. MYDC approaches the delivery of its services with a focus on supportive engagement, behavioral modification and consequential thinking. MYDC services allow youth and parents to find support, solutions or advice on a range of issues. These issues include but are not limited to:
- Parent-child conflict
- Peer pressure
- Self-esteem
- Depression
- Anger management
- Substance/Alcohol Abuse
- Alternative to Incarceration
- Community involvement
- Education
- Leadership
MYDC provides four key components for its participants: Individual Counseling, Social Development, Life Skills, and Community Service. Through one on one and group counseling, each participant is able to hone in on their personal issues, goals and aspirations.
Assessments
MYDC provides an assessment for all participants as an initial entry into the program. This assessment helps MYDC better determine the needs and necessary focal points for each participant’s individualized treatment plan. Assessments are critical in helping to understand the past, present, and future goals of the participant’s family, education, vocation, social and personal life. Depending on what the assessment reveals, will determine if the participant is eligible to participate in the MYDC programs or if they may be referred to outside vendors such as: Samaritan Village, Faith Missions, or Daytop, etc., for a higher level of care.
When MYDC refers these youth to outside vendors, we do not cease contact with the participant. We remain their case manager and receive updated progress reports from the various institutions.
Counseling and Mentoring
Counseling and/or mentoring services are available to all participants. Depending on the outcome of the initial assessment, either counseling or mentoring will be recommended. These are hourly sessions that may take place either during a one on one or a group session, where participants are able to express themselves and discuss issues in a more intimate and confidential setting.
Social Development
Participants engage in peer discussions about issues affecting today’s youth. These issues include parent-child conflict, peer pressure, self-esteem, depression, anger management, alcohol & substance abuse, domestic violence, teen pregnancy, sex and sex abuse. More than just discussing these issues the participants engage in workshops, team activities and symposiums that not only increase awareness about these issues but also learn how to deal with these issues and utilize available resources (including counseling when necessary) to move past their current circumstance and/or deal with past experiences.
Life Skills
It is important that participants not only learn communication and problem solving skills but also learn to establish goals and increased accountability for their actions and choices. Through the life skills component participants are responsible for setting goals in the area of education and career choices, as well as personal goals. Once these are identified, participants are mentored and guided to meet those goals. Participants also learn the basics in health and wellness, financial literacy, job readiness, college preparation, public speaking, etc.
Family Services
An important aspect of the MYDC model is family interaction. The household environment plays a critical part in a youth’s foundation and overall thinking process. Therefore, parent(s)/legal guardians are expected to cooperate and participate in family or parent group discussions. All parents are interviewed during the participant’s initial evaluation. A quarterly follow-up is requested to help MYDC to assess the participant’s household progress. In the interim, if deemed necessary, parents may be called in for a family or individual session. Our goal is to create an overall positive environment for each participant to succeed at home, school, in the program, and within their community.
Community Service
MYDC requires all participants to give back and get involved with their community. This can be in the form of community service by assisting the elderly, homeless or others in need, or advocating for a specific cause of their choice.
We provide trips and guest speakers that are a combination of educational and recreational. The goal of these activities is to expose them and broaden their scope of self-image, community, and life, while enhancing team building, leadership and critical thinking skills. Trips include, but not limited to, Adventure Ropes Course, Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Spring Reins of Hope Equestrian Therapy, Sporting Engagements, Ranch Activity, Museums, College Tours, and Job Fairs.