THE Purpose Behind C.H.O.I.C.E.S.

The youth of today, are the leaders of tomorrow. In order to make this a reality an intentional investment in our youth is necessary. The founders of Align Community have joined together to facilitate the development and empowerment of these future leaders. The organization has identified five (5) key elements to success: Mentoring, Advising, Community Outreach, Health & Wellness, and Personal Development/Self-Empowerment. Through a variety of programming efforts, they are preparing the next generation to lead.

Through the knowledge gained facilitating the Rites of Passage Program the founders realized that more was needed to truly prepare the youth in the local community. Hoping to fill the gaps identified in the educational system we are making one-on-one tutoring programs available, as well as access to resources that many economically challenged students do not have access to. This program designed by Ronda Campbell, a licensed and tenured educator, will give our children the boost they need to meet and exceed their educational goals.

Another area of concern in our community has been the health of our children. Many of our youth lack access to proper nutrition. The result has been a rise in juvenile obesity as well as diabetes. To combat this growing health crisis, we have implemented a health and wellness program to teach these young people the importance of physical activity and proper diet.

The future requires our children to have a firm grasp on technology, and we are making that knowledge available to them. One of our founders, Daryl Wade, is a pillar in the technology sector and knows the skills these young people will need to succeed in their careers. He has designed a program that will not only prepare them for the future but teach them skills they can apply immediately in their everyday lives and schoolwork.

What makes Align Community unique is our youth advisory board. Most organizations designed for youth never ask youth for their input. Each program described above has been, and will continue to be, created in partnership with our youth advisory board. The young people selected for this board are given the opportunity to utilize the skills they have gained to make a difference now. This opportunity to be instrumental in the structure and organization of Align Community provides them with an added skill set that will make them seasoned leaders in the future. Through community outreach all of the children who pass through Align Community will make a direct impact locally. Though the facilitators will organize the community outreach, the youth will conduct and execute these tasks. Every child who participates will not only be equipped with vital life skills but will put those skills to work.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT CAMP

Our Mission

Our Programs

At Align Community Inc., our mission is to provide shelter and support to homeless individuals in our community. We believe that everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to call home, and we work tirelessly to make that a reality.

Our Programs

We offer a variety of programs to help our clients get back on their feet. From job training to mental health counseling, we provide the resources and support necessary to help individuals achieve their goals.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. We offer a variety of opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Our Mission

Volunteer Opportunities

Teen Suicide Prevention and Peer Support

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens in the United States. It is important to provide teens with the tools they need to cope with difficult emotions and to build strong peer support networks. This instructor's manual provides a framework for twelve one-hour group sessions that can be used to prevent teen suicide and create peer support networks.

The sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging. They will cover a variety of topics, including:

The warning signs of suicide
Coping with difficult emotions
Building self-esteem
Developing healthy relationships
Asking for help

The sessions will also provide opportunities for teens to share their experiences and to connect with each other. By the end of the twelve sessions, teens will have the knowledge and skills they need to:

Recognize the warning signs of suicide in themselves and others
Cope with difficult emotions in a healthy way
Build strong peer support networks
Ask for help when they need it

Violence is a serious problem in the United States Virgin Islands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Virgin Islands has a higher rate of violent crime than the national average. In 2020, there were 759 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the Virgin Islands, compared to 379 per 100,000 people nationwide.

Violence can have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. It can lead to physical injury, emotional trauma, and even death. Violence can also disrupt education, employment, and economic development.

There are many factors that contribute to violence, including poverty, lack of education, substance abuse, and exposure to violence. However, there are also many things that can be done to prevent violence, such as providing early childhood education, promoting positive youth development, and teaching conflict resolution skills.

This course will teach 6–18-year-olds the skills they need to prevent violence and build a culture of peace. The course will cover topics such as conflict resolution, anger management, and bystander intervention. The course will also teach students about the negative consequences of violence and the importance of making positive choices.

This course is based on evidence-based research that shows that it can be effective in reducing violence. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that a similar course reduced violent behavior by 25% among high school students.

The United States Virgin Islands, a Caribbean archipelago with a rich history and diverse culture, faces a pressing challenge in addressing juvenile delinquency. Despite its relatively small population, the territory has experienced a concerning rise in juvenile crime, particularly among adolescents. This issue necessitates the implementation of a comprehensive juvenile delinquency intervention curriculum tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the Virgin Islands' youth.

Statistics paint a stark picture of the juvenile delinquency situation in the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to the 2022 Juvenile Justice Statistics Report, the territory's juvenile arrest rate for violent offenses is 13.5 per 1,000 juveniles, significantly higher than the national average of 5.5. Similarly, the juvenile arrest rate for property offenses is 39.7 per 1,000 juveniles, compared to the national average of 24.5. These alarming statistics underscore the need for urgent intervention strategies to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency and steer youth towards a positive trajectory.

The AARC to the Future:WDYW (What Do You Want)? curriculum, developed by Align Community Inc., aligns with the SDM (Social Development Model) and PYD (Positive Youth Development) approaches offering a promising framework for juvenile delinquency intervention in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The curriculum utilizes five key questions:

What do you want? (To teach acknowledgement)
What do you need? (To teach agency)
What are you willing to do? (To teach reciprocity)
What aren't you willing to do? (To teach clarity)
I'm ready for the world (To teach resilience)

These questions guide structured conversations between youth and mentors, helping them develop self-awareness, problem-solving skills, and prosocial behaviors. The curriculum has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing delinquent behavior and promoting positive youth outcomes in various settings.

C.H.O.I.C.E.S MENTORING

Our History

Align Community Inc. was founded in 1995 by a group of community members who recognized the need for a local organization dedicated to helping homeless individuals. Since then, we have grown into a thriving nonprofit, serving hundreds of individuals each year.

Our Staff

Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those we serve. From case managers to outreach workers, we work together to provide comprehensive support to our clients.

Our Partners

We are proud to partner with a variety of local organizations to provide the best possible support to our clients. From food banks to healthcare providers, our partners help us extend our reach and impact in the community.