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P.R.I.M.E. and P.E.A.C.E.

P.R.I.M.E. Program (Personally Reaching Inward Mentally and Emotionally)

P.R.I.M.E. addresses the needs of adolescent girls, focusing on minimizing disruptive behavior, building self-esteem and improving socialization and coping skills.

The P.R.I.M.E. program is gender specific. It is designed to inspire, promote and enhance the lives of young adolescent girls.

We focus on youth development, personality development, and self-awareness. We provide adult and peer counseling sessions, guest speakers and field trips, which are designed to meet the spiritual, academic, social, and cultural needs of the adolescent. We also provide an opportunity for the parents to actively interact with us.

The P.R.I.M.E. program has two female instructors who serve as role models to the girls. They carry out conflict resolution, perform interventions, and facilitate talking sessions.

P.R.I.M.E. is a therapeutic program for girls with behavioral issues. It provides for a calming and soothing environment away from the daily commotion of their lives. Here, they feel free and comfortable to simply express themselves, via artistic representation of their lives or just talking about their day, or whatever is on their minds. The girls can be themselves, vulnerable and beautiful teenagers.

P.R.I.M.E. also provides life skills. The girls are taught to adequately communicate with one another, and the importance of respect for self and respect for others. They are given anger management tools and problem-solving tools to help them face the world responsibly.

All participants are referred by the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) or the Court System. The program is designed to serve girls 13 to17. Classes are held Monday-Thursday 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the CCYD.

P.R.I.M.E.- We are here to help you reach your highest potential!

During the school year, CCYD provides a small stipend to P.R.I.M.E. members. Many of them come from impoverished homes, where parents may struggle to provide them with the bare necessities such as school supplies, new clothes and new shoes.

Interested in ways you can become involved or support CCYD programs? Click Interest Registration Form.

Proud Accomplishments
Nathaniel J. Craig Star Athlete Basketball player LEAP Academy PEACE Alumni 2003 The following is an excerpt from an interview conducted by Esmeralda Doublette, Graduate Student Intern at CCYD, June 2005. ED. What is your name? NC. Nathaniel J. Craig ED. As a young man, what led you to being in the P.E.A.C.E. program? NC. It was something to keep me out of trouble; my mom put me in it so I could have something to do after school. I used to be in a lot of trouble after school, so she just wanted me to be with people I could communicate with, to keep out of trouble. ED. What did you know about the P.E.A.C.E. program before you entered? NC. I did not know anything about it. ED. What was your experience with the program? NC. I made a lot of friends-I know that. They taught me how to become a man, a better person with new responsibilities in life. It helped me a lot. ED. What was your experience with the other kids in the program? NC. We were from the same area, but I did not know anybody. I moved from a different neighborhood, and was just starting to make new friends. When I first came to the program, I was very lonely. He (the P.E.A.C.E. instructor) made me stand up and introduce myself to everybody. They told me their names. It was a slow start, and I just got to know everybody. It was not that much of a change because everybody was from Camden. I am from Camden. ED. Who were your mentors and how would you describe your relationship with them? NC. We did a lot of stuff. Kinta (mentor) was into basketball and I play basketball so, it was real cool. They were trying to teach me a lot of stuff. He was like a big brother to me. ED. Who had the greatest impact on you while in the program? NC. Probably Kinta. If I needed help with something, I would go to him. Everything I just needed help with, I knew he was the only person I would go to. We did a lot of stuff together like played ball. He took Karate; I took Karate also. Even with a home with a father and a mother and an older brother, Nathaniel Craig still needed external support to help him during the transition phase of moving to a new neighborhood. The P.E.A.C.E. program gave him the support and mentoring he needed. He was able to make friends and have a male presence that would just relate to him in a way his parents and brother could not. He met other young men who were going through the same phase as he and they helped and supported each other. ED. What has the program meant to you in 25 words or less? NC Well, if I were not in the program, I probably would be out in the streets, just go to school, come home, getting in a lot of trouble probably locked up somewhere. It made an impact on me, I got to know a lot of people, and I got to see what the real world was like. I never really felt that before, and it was a good feeling. Because I could look up to somebody who could help me, who was in the same path as I was. It made a big impact. ED. How different are you now? NC. A lot more mature, very different. When I first came, I was real crazy you know, 8 th grade everybody is starting to grow up. But now, I am a lot better than I was. I am a lot more stable. The P.E.A.C.E. program intervenes in young men’s lives at a very critical point, when they can either go to the streets or on a better path. The program provides them with options other than the streets. ED. Where are you now? What have you been doing since you left P.E.A.C.E.? NC. My freshman year of High School, I started out at Bishop Eustace High School. I did not like it too much there, so I asked my mom to take me out. Then I went to Camden High School and I did not like it there at all. One day, I was playing ball at Rutgers University, it was a tournament, and I was one of the best there. This guy came up to me; he told me his name was Marco. He said he was the coach at LEAP Academy, and he was starting a basketball team. He asked me if I wanted to come. I said yes! So, he called my mom and talked to her to let her know about the school. Next thing I knew, I was in there the next day. My grades were so good that I could basically do anything I wanted. I get so many letters from colleges. It is crazy! Right now, I am the number one sophomore in the state of New Jersey in basketball. I play football, baseball, and some soccer and tennis. I have three other siblings, and my brother goes there (L.E.A.P) with me. ED. What would you say your passion is? NC. My passion is sports, Basketball. ED. What are your future plans? NC. My mom’s dream is to have all her kids graduate from school, period. So I want to finish the next two years of High School, go onto a 4-year college, and finish. And hopefully go to the NBA or something. If not, then become a doctor. Mr. Craig should have no trouble if not drafted by the NBA. His grades are excellent! ED. Words of Wisdom to the other young men? NC. Just tell them to stay in school. This is a good program and stay in school. Try not to get in too much trouble, so you do not get a criminal record. Nate was in the P.E.A.C.E. Program in the 8 th grade. He is now a sophomore at the LEAP Academy Charter school and a star basketball athlete in New Jersey.

Proud Accomplishments

Nathaniel J. Craig

Star Athlete Basketball player

LEAP Academy

PEACE Alumni 2003

The following is an excerpt from an interview conducted by Esmeralda Doublette, Graduate Student Intern at CCYD, June 2005.

ED. What is your name?

NC. Nathaniel J. Craig

ED. As a young man, what led you to being in the P.E.A.C.E. program?

NC. It was something to keep me out of trouble; my mom put me in it so I could have something to do after school. I used to be in a lot of trouble after school, so she just wanted me to be with people I could communicate with, to keep out of trouble.

ED. What did you know about the P.E.A.C.E. program before you entered?

NC. I did not know anything about it.

ED. What was your experience with the program?

NC. I made a lot of friends-I know that. They taught me how to become a man, a better person with new responsibilities in life. It helped me a lot.

ED. What was your experience with the other kids in the program?

NC. We were from the same area, but I did not know anybody. I moved from a different neighborhood, and was just starting to make new friends. When I first came to the program, I was very lonely. He (the P.E.A.C.E. instructor) made me stand up and introduce myself to everybody. They told me their names. It was a slow start, and I just got to know everybody. It was not that much of a change because everybody was from Camden. I am from Camden.

ED. Who were your mentors and how would you describe your relationship with them?

NC. We did a lot of stuff. Kinta (mentor) was into basketball and I play basketball so, it was real cool. They were trying to teach me a lot of stuff. He was like a big brother to me.

ED. Who had the greatest impact on you while in the program?

NC. Probably Kinta. If I needed help with something, I would go to him. Everything I just needed help with, I knew he was the only person I would go to. We did a lot of stuff together like played ball. He took Karate; I took Karate also.

Even with a home with a father and a mother and an older brother, Nathaniel Craig still needed external support to help him during the transition phase of moving to a new neighborhood. The P.E.A.C.E. program gave him the support and mentoring he needed. He was able to make friends and have a male presence that would just relate to him in a way his parents and brother could not. He met other young men who were going through the same phase as he and they helped and supported each other.

ED. What has the program meant to you in 25 words or less?

NC Well, if I were not in the program, I probably would be out in the streets, just go to school, come home, getting in a lot of trouble probably locked up somewhere. It made an impact on me, I got to know a lot of people, and I got to see what the real world was like. I never really felt that before, and it was a good feeling. Because I could look up to somebody who could help me, who was in the same path as I was. It made a big impact.

ED. How different are you now?

NC. A lot more mature, very different. When I first came, I was real crazy you know, 8 th grade everybody is starting to grow up. But now, I am a lot better than I was. I am a lot more stable.

The P.E.A.C.E. program intervenes in young men’s lives at a very critical point, when they can either go to the streets or on a better path. The program provides them with options other than the streets.

ED. Where are you now? What have you been doing since you left P.E.A.C.E.?

NC. My freshman year of High School, I started out at Bishop Eustace High School. I did not like it too much there, so I asked my mom to take me out. Then I went to Camden High School and I did not like it there at all. One day, I was playing ball at Rutgers University, it was a tournament, and I was one of the best there. This guy came up to me; he told me his name was Marco. He said he was the coach at LEAP Academy, and he was starting a basketball team. He asked me if I wanted to come. I said yes! So, he called my mom and talked to her to let her know about the school. Next thing I knew, I was in there the next day. My grades were so good that I could basically do anything I wanted. I get so many letters from colleges. It is crazy! Right now, I am the number one sophomore in the state of New Jersey in basketball. I play football, baseball, and some soccer and tennis. I have three other siblings, and my brother goes there (L.E.A.P) with me.

ED. What would you say your passion is?

NC. My passion is sports, Basketball.

ED. What are your future plans?

NC. My mom’s dream is to have all her kids graduate from school, period. So I want to finish the next two years of High School, go onto a 4-year college, and finish. And hopefully go to the NBA or something. If not, then become a doctor.

Mr. Craig should have no trouble if not drafted by the NBA. His grades are excellent!

ED. Words of Wisdom to the other young men?

NC. Just tell them to stay in school. This is a good program and stay in school. Try not to get in too much trouble, so you do not get a criminal record.

Nate was in the P.E.A.C.E. Program in the 8 th grade. He is now a sophomore at the LEAP Academy Charter school and a star basketball athlete in New Jersey.

Educational Experiences
As part of their socialization and acculturation process, P.E.A.C.E. boys go on many class trips. This year they have been to: Wildwood, NJ Philadelphia 76ers game Dorney Park & Wild Water Kingdom Kings Dominion in VA. Philadelphia Zoo, America’s First Zoo Every Tuesday, the boys go to the YMCA in Camden City for an afternoon of games and swimming.

Educational Experiences

As part of their socialization and acculturation process, P.E.A.C.E. boys go on many class trips. This year they have been to:

Wildwood, NJ
Philadelphia 76ers game
Dorney Park & Wild Water Kingdom
Kings Dominion in VA.
Philadelphia Zoo, America’s First Zoo

Every Tuesday, the boys go to the YMCA in Camden City for an afternoon of games and swimming.

Summer Employment
The P.E.A.C.E. Program is most unique in its focus on job training and entrepreneurial skills. The program is a tool that will provide some financial independence, a novel sense of self worth and accomplishment in young men. This summer, as part of their job skills training, our P.E.A.C.E. young men will receive a $100.00 loan from CCYD to start a summer business. The City of Camden has provided the P.E.A.C.E. program with various locations throughout the city to set up shop. P.E.A.C.E. “businessmen” will be selling water ices and small crafts. We hope to motivate students to possibly open their own businesses. P.E.A.C.E. instills in young men a work culture while having fun. During the school year, CCYD provides a small stipend to P.E.A.C.E. members. Many of them come from impoverished homes, where parents may not be able to provide them with the bare necessities, such as school supplies, new clothes and new shoes. Sometimes, these young men turn to theft to meet their material needs. They come to us from the court system while on probation or through the Department of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) with emotional distress and low self-esteem. We supply them with a modest stipend to be used as pocket money. CCYD assures that they are stocked with the basic necessities such as socks, shoes, and clothes for school and school supplies.

Summer Employment

The P.E.A.C.E. Program is most unique in its focus on job training and entrepreneurial skills. The program is a tool that will provide some financial independence, a novel sense of self worth and accomplishment in young men. This summer, as part of their job skills training, our P.E.A.C.E. young men will receive a $100.00 loan from CCYD to start a summer business. The City of Camden has provided the P.E.A.C.E. program with various locations throughout the city to set up shop. P.E.A.C.E. “businessmen” will be selling water ices and small crafts. We hope to motivate students to possibly open their own businesses. P.E.A.C.E. instills in young men a work culture while having fun.

During the school year, CCYD provides a small stipend to P.E.A.C.E. members. Many of them come from impoverished homes, where parents may not be able to provide them with the bare necessities, such as school supplies, new clothes and new shoes. Sometimes, these young men turn to theft to meet their material needs.

They come to us from the court system while on probation or through the Department of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) with emotional distress and low self-esteem. We supply them with a modest stipend to be used as pocket money. CCYD assures that they are stocked with the basic necessities such as socks, shoes, and clothes for school and school supplies.

The Role of the Mentor
The P.E.A.C.E. Program has a very holistic goal: to educate young men and impact them positively. The mentor wears many hats. He is a counselor, a friend and a role model. He helps them with their homework, and listens to them and advises them. The young men feel comfortable talking about their problems and needs with their mentor. It is our job here at CCYD to motivate and expose adolescent males to more positive and productive aspects of life. The mentor does many interventions to deter precarious situations to escalate into dangerous ones. At the end of the day, our young boys are just boys and their dreams are the same as any young teenage man living in an urban setting: to become a sport superstar. We encourage those dreams and through our activities try to expose them to alternatives that will make those dreams possible or create new ones. Mentors helped define students' experience in the P.E.A.C.E. program. However, funding to pay for mentors and tutors is greatly needed. Even though we are succeeding in filling that gap, we need your help as a caring individual who understands the importance and urgency of an active and reformed youth in Camden. We need your help to assist young men in becoming successful adults by increasing our mentors. Our P.E.A.C.E. students greatly need more individual counseling, more social skills training, and tutoring.

The Role of the Mentor

The P.E.A.C.E. Program has a very holistic goal: to educate young men and impact them positively. The mentor wears many hats. He is a counselor, a friend and a role model. He helps them with their homework, and listens to them and advises them. The young men feel comfortable talking about their problems and needs with their mentor.

It is our job here at CCYD to motivate and expose adolescent males to more positive and productive aspects of life. The mentor does many interventions to deter precarious situations to escalate into dangerous ones. At the end of the day, our young boys are just boys and their dreams are the same as any young teenage man living in an urban setting: to become a sport superstar. We encourage those dreams and through our activities try to expose them to alternatives that will make those dreams possible or create new ones.

Mentors helped define students' experience in the P.E.A.C.E. program. However, funding to pay for mentors and tutors is greatly needed. Even though we are succeeding in filling that gap, we need your help as a caring individual who understands the importance and urgency of an active and reformed youth in Camden. We need your help to assist young men in becoming successful adults by increasing our mentors. Our P.E.A.C.E. students greatly need more individual counseling, more social skills training, and tutoring.

Proud Accomplishments
P.R.I.M.E. June 2005 Shandell Alvarado The following is an excerpt from an interview conducted by Esmeralda Doublette, Graduate Student Intern at CCYD, June 2005. ED. What is your name and how old are you? SA. My name is Shandell Alvarado, and I am 15 years old. ED. Do you live in Camden? SA. Yes, South Camden ED. How did you become a student in the P.R.I.M.E. program? SA. Well, I was on probation for 18 months and it was an after school program that was ordered by the Judge. ED. What were your options, if any? SA. I had different options from different programs and they (CCYD) mentioned the part about getting paid. So, I decided to go there. We give stipends to the young ladies in the P.R.IM.E. program to provide revenue for their basic needs, and to assist in deterring them from petty theft. ED. Did you want to be in the program? SA. In a way I did, because it was something for me to do after school, not just to be home and be bored. Here, I would get to know different people, and sometimes they have trips. I figured I might just as well go to it (P.R.I.M.E.). ED. What are some of the activities that you do in the program? SA. Sometimes we get in groups and talk about our feelings and how our day went. We do Arts and Crafts; we make shirts, and do some drawing. ED. How has it (P.R.I.M.E.) helped you? SA. Coping skills. It helps us interact with other people and learn about other people. We learn how to actually act when we are in the real world, and have real jobs. So basically, P.R.I.M.E. lets us express ourselves in an orderly way rather than to be screaming and yelling. ED. What is Shandell getting from the program? SA. Listening, respect, being able to tell the difference between when somebody is speaking to you, his or her tone of voice, body language and facial expression. I am also learning the difference when I hear something and when I actually listen to what is being said to me. ED. Can you describe your relationship with your mentors? SA. The relationship is really based on communication. We get to ask them questions, and they ask us questions. So, it is really an interactive relationship. ED. Are you able to talk to them about different things you are going through? SA. All right. We have different types of problems: sometimes, you may have a problem about a question that they (coordinators and mentors) have, or if you have a problem getting along with somebody in the group. You can always talk to them about anything. They will always try to solve your problem, or if they cannot solve it, they go to an alternative plan. ED. What do you like best about the program? SA. When we have groups, and everybody gets to talk about their feelings, also when we go on trips. ED. How are the talking sessions? SA. I feel comfortable to talk. Sometimes we have group talks about what we have done in school, and we take turns asking questions about things that we feel are missing. We then go to the coordinators, and ask them how their day went. ED. What does the program mean to you? SA. P.R.I.M.E. has changed a lot for me. When I first came, I was always the quiet one-never talking, never participating. I was the loner. I always kept to myself, never bothering anybody. This is my second year here, and as time went on, I learned how to express myself correctly and how to talk to others. I also learned how to accept certain things when they are said to me politely and respectfully. If somebody was to say something ignorant to me, I am not going to react the same way as I did before I came to P.R.I.M.E., because it is not polite. I would listen to them. When they are done talking and they still do not understand my point of view, then I would have to explain it to them in another way. So, really, what the program means to me is a place where I learn how to deal with anger management, coping skills and a place I learn to interact with others. ED. Do you find the program helpful and would you recommend it to other young ladies like yourself? SA. The program is helpful because even if you do not think you need anger management or have any problems at all, when you come to a program like this, you end up realizing that you do have problems that you never want to sit and think about. You think you are perfect; nobody is perfect. Here, they help you understand your imperfection and help you to be ok with it. And, they will also help you fix it to become a better person in life. I would recommend P.R.I.M.E. to anyone who has anger problems. ED. How important is a program like P.R.I.M.E. to young women dealing with certain issues similar to what you’ve expressed? SA. To me, it is important not just for the money. I come to have something to do after school or just to come to ease up my mind from any problems at home. Or just come to have a good time, really. I can’t come here and have a tight face and be a hypocrite, and have a mask on. Knowing I have something on my mind, I might just come, let it out, and talk about it. ED. What are your goals and how do you plan on achieving these goals? SA. First I want to finish High School, and then go to college. I want to go to the John Jay College of Science and Criminal Law in New York. I want to be a Forensic Scientist, and for my major, I want to be a CSI (crime scene investigator). I am going to stay on the right path, and not listen to peer pressure.

Proud Accomplishments

P.R.I.M.E.

June 2005

Shandell Alvarado

The following is an excerpt from an interview conducted by Esmeralda Doublette, Graduate Student Intern at CCYD, June 2005.

ED. What is your name and how old are you?

SA. My name is Shandell Alvarado, and I am 15 years old.

ED. Do you live in Camden?

SA. Yes, South Camden

ED. How did you become a student in the P.R.I.M.E. program?

SA. Well, I was on probation for 18 months and it was an after school program that was ordered by the Judge.

ED. What were your options, if any?

SA. I had different options from different programs and they (CCYD) mentioned the part about getting paid. So, I decided to go there.

We give stipends to the young ladies in the P.R.IM.E. program to provide revenue for their basic needs, and to assist in deterring them from petty theft.

ED. Did you want to be in the program?

SA. In a way I did, because it was something for me to do after school, not just to be home and be bored. Here, I would get to know different people, and sometimes they have trips. I figured I might just as well go to it (P.R.I.M.E.).

ED. What are some of the activities that you do in the program?

SA. Sometimes we get in groups and talk about our feelings and how our day went. We do Arts and Crafts; we make shirts, and do some drawing.

ED. How has it (P.R.I.M.E.) helped you?

SA. Coping skills. It helps us interact with other people and learn about other people. We learn how to actually act when we are in the real world, and have real jobs. So basically, P.R.I.M.E. lets us express ourselves in an orderly way rather than to be screaming and yelling.

ED. What is Shandell getting from the program?

SA. Listening, respect, being able to tell the difference between when somebody is speaking to you, his or her tone of voice, body language and facial expression. I am also learning the difference when I hear something and when I actually listen to what is being said to me.

ED. Can you describe your relationship with your mentors?

SA. The relationship is really based on communication. We get to ask them questions, and they ask us questions. So, it is really an interactive relationship.

ED. Are you able to talk to them about different things you are going through?

SA. All right. We have different types of problems: sometimes, you may have a problem about a question that they (coordinators and mentors) have, or if you have a problem getting along with somebody in the group. You can always talk to them about anything. They will always try to solve your problem, or if they cannot solve it, they go to an alternative plan.

ED. What do you like best about the program?

SA. When we have groups, and everybody gets to talk about their feelings, also when we go on trips.

ED. How are the talking sessions?

SA. I feel comfortable to talk. Sometimes we have group talks about what we have done in school, and we take turns asking questions about things that we feel are missing. We then go to the coordinators, and ask them how their day went.

ED. What does the program mean to you?

SA. P.R.I.M.E. has changed a lot for me. When I first came, I was always the quiet one-never talking, never participating. I was the loner. I always kept to myself, never bothering anybody. This is my second year here, and as time went on, I learned how to express myself correctly and how to talk to others. I also learned how to accept certain things when they are said to me politely and respectfully. If somebody was to say something ignorant to me, I am not going to react the same way as I did before I came to P.R.I.M.E., because it is not polite. I would listen to them. When they are done talking and they still do not understand my point of view, then I would have to explain it to them in another way. So, really, what the program means to me is a place where I learn how to deal with anger management, coping skills and a place I learn to interact with others.

ED. Do you find the program helpful and would you recommend it to other young ladies like yourself?

SA. The program is helpful because even if you do not think you need anger management or have any problems at all, when you come to a program like this, you end up realizing that you do have problems that you never want to sit and think about. You think you are perfect; nobody is perfect. Here, they help you understand your imperfection and help you to be ok with it. And, they will also help you fix it to become a better person in life. I would recommend P.R.I.M.E. to anyone who has anger problems.

ED. How important is a program like P.R.I.M.E. to young women dealing with certain issues similar to what you’ve expressed?

SA. To me, it is important not just for the money. I come to have something to do after school or just to come to ease up my mind from any problems at home. Or just come to have a good time, really. I can’t come here and have a tight face and be a hypocrite, and have a mask on. Knowing I have something on my mind, I might just come, let it out, and talk about it.

ED. What are your goals and how do you plan on achieving these goals?

SA. First I want to finish High School, and then go to college. I want to go to the John Jay College of Science and Criminal Law in New York. I want to be a Forensic Scientist, and for my major, I want to be a CSI (crime scene investigator). I am going to stay on the right path, and not listen to peer pressure.

Educational Experiences
P.R.I.M.E. Girls focus on community service. This year, they have contributed their time to: Providing Christmas dinners and gifts to homeless centers in Camden Working at Dooley House (Distribute Easter Baskets) Visiting area churches Baking cookies for Senior Citizens Visiting Nursing Homes As part of their educational experience, P.R.I.M.E. Girls go on many class trips: Overnight trips to Colleges Plays Museums Flower Shows Bowling Skating Swimming

Educational Experiences

P.R.I.M.E. Girls focus on community service. This year, they have contributed their time to:

Providing Christmas dinners and gifts to homeless centers in Camden
Working at Dooley House (Distribute Easter Baskets)
Visiting area churches
Baking cookies for Senior Citizens
Visiting Nursing Homes

As part of their educational experience, P.R.I.M.E. Girls go on many class trips:

Overnight trips to Colleges
Plays
Museums
Flower Shows
Bowling
Skating
Swimming

P.R.I.M.E. and P.E.A.C.E.

Related Links

Related Links

P.R.I.M.E.