Mosaic Youth Programs
The goal of this program is to prevent substance abuse by building positive attitudes, values, behaviors, and life skills. Our target population is youth in grades 1-12 and their families who may have experienced more than three (3) shared risk factors for substance use and violence. These may include:
- Individual
- Aggressive or behavioral problems
- Low academic achievement
- Poor emotional regulation or disorder
- Low self-concept/self-esteem
- Family
- Exposure to family violence or conflict
- Substance use by parents or siblings
- Parents or siblings engaged in illegal activities or violence
- Incarceration of parents or siblings
- Homelessness, highly transitory, or living in extreme poverty or subsidized housing
- Lack of parental or adult monitoring
- School
- Underperforming school
- Lack of bonding to school
- Community
- Living in crime, gang, or drug-ridden neighborhoods
- Perceived relaxed substance use norms in the community
Program Services At-A-Glance
- Evidence-based, curriculum-based developmentally appropriate life skills classes
- Positive alternative activities for youth and adults
- Presentations for youth or adults on substance abuse and violence issues in the community
- Community networking and collaboration to promote substance abuse prevention and mental health
- Referrals for substance abuse prevention, treatment, or other social services
Youth in grades 1-12 are referred to the classes at schools or community sites by family members, teachers, counselors, after-school program directors, or other social service agencies. Trained Prevention Specialists facilitate either the 10-week Kids’ Connection (grades 1-5), 9-week Positive Action (grades 6-8), or the 12-week Positive Action (grades 9-12) curriculum on the following topics:
- Self-Esteem
- Value Awareness
- Communication
- Anger Management
- Goal Setting
- Healthy Decision Making
- Family and Friends
- Refusal Skills
- Problem Solving
Alternative activities are opportunities to encourage and foster positive peer, family, and community bonding experiences through educational, cultural, recreational, work-oriented and volunteer service-oriented activities. MYS can provide activities and disseminate substance abuse information at community health fairs, cultural events, and workplace events.
Presentations are research-based and age-appropriate for either adults or youth. They consist of hands-on activities with comprehensive audience interaction. Presentations may include the following topics:
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- Current Drug Trends (adults only)
- Hidden in Plain Sight (adults only)
- Psychology of Addiction (adults only)
- Those Who Host Lose the Most (adults only)
- Tobacco and YOUth (adults or youth)
- Be A Hero, Be Drug-Free (youth)
- Custom specific substance abuse or violence topics (any)
