The MPD is working with Common Wealth Development to partner with many agencies this summer in an effort to mentor young people – particularly those living in the West District - so they might find good and positive paths forward.
This Thursday evening those looking to volunteer and be part of this important grassroots project, or those looking to refer middle and high school aged young people to one of the mentoring programs, are all invited to a meet-and-greet gathering.
It will take place June 6th at Good Shepard Lutheran Church, 5701 Raymond Rd., between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The MPD, Common Wealth Development, and representatives from the community-based organizations will be on hand to talk about the many opportunities available this summer. They include:
 

• Families and Schools Together (FAST)-WI Youth Company

FAST is a parent engagement and family strengthening program for middle school youth and their families. Middle school students start with a youth group that meets weekly for 4 weeks. The youth’s family (including siblings) then joins in a fun-filled 10 week group session that includes dinner and the opportunity to win a gift basket. Transportation is also available. If you have a middle schooler (or a rising 5th grader) and want to attend, contact The Wisconsin Youth Company’ FAST Coordinator Jenna Stoughtenger at 608-276-9782 or jstoughtenger@wisconsinyouthcompany.org

• Intentional Mentoring, Intentional Mentoring, Inc.

Intentional Mentoring (IM) is focused on reaching the needs of youth within the Madison area school district. IM pairs mentors with mentees identified and expressing desire to be mentored in order to improve their social and emotional skills, communication and increased engagement within the community. To obtain more information, contact Katie Mae Imhoff-Smith for mentees, Katiemae@intentionalmentoringmadison.org or to volunteer to be a mentor email Dianne@intentionalmantoringmadison.org. Call 262-366-0030 for more details.

• Project SOAR, 100 Black Men of Madison

Project SOAR offers mentoring and support via the themes of Student Opportunities, Access and Readiness programming. Through Project SOAR, participating youth will be provided direction that allows for them to gain a positive self-perception, identify SMART goals and career goals, develop positive skills to influence others and build a supportive network. Contact Dr. Floyd Rose, president@100blackmenmadison.org, 608-205-8572.

• Dear Diary, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute

High school girls of color, 9-12 grades, is the focus of the “Dear Diary” group mentoring program. The mentoring sessions will take place at WI Youth Company. This project will use the key strengths of support, advice, and love to help with self-esteem, academic achievement, personal development, professional excellence, family engagement and service. Email deardiarymadison@gmail.com, Kalyanna Williams or call 608-515-8113.

• Healing Power of Hip Hop, Rape Crisis Center

This mentoring program see to leveraging the creative medium of hip-hop to re-engage youth with their own potential, their family, and their community. This innovative approach will center a curriculum designed to address overlapping root causes of youth crime and sexual assault, such as oppression, gender socialization, and normalization of violence and power. Contact Demond Hill, HealingPowerofHipHop@gmail.com 608-251-5126

Our Neighborhood: A Safe and Beautiful Place is a community based crime reduction initiative, funded by the US Department of Justice. The $850,000 grant that ends September 2020 is aimed at reducing youth and young adult crime while improving social relationships and conditions and strengthening community systems. More than 91% of the $850,000 is for activities in the southwest neighborhoods that includes Meadowood, Theresa Terrace and Park Edge/Park Ridge neighborhoods.

Community Partner Contact
Stephanie Bradley Wilson,
Director-Health Equity & Violence Prevention
Common Wealth Development
Stephanie@cwd.org|608-239-7772