From: Malik S. Nevels, J.D.
Executive Director, ILAACP
I am excited to announce the release of our 2014-2015 Youth Asset Development Project Evaluation Report. This report represents the impact of our Youth Asset Development Project (YADP) on the lives of 117 at-risk youth between the ages of 14 and 18 residing in Chicago’s Englewood, Auburn Gresham, Greater Grand Crossing, South Shore, and Roseland communities.
As the Illinois African American Coalition for Prevention (ILAACP) prepares to celebrate our ten year anniversary, this report demonstrates another way we are building safe, healthy and resilient African American children, families, and communities.
The ILAACP 2014-2015 Youth Asset Development Project Evaluation Report analyzes data gathered through surveys and focus groups from youth participating in the YADP. Youth were recruited and enrolled by our Delivery Partners: Teamwork Englewood, Target Area Development Corporation and South Shore Drill Team. Participants attended 12-week sessions that included an amalgamation of three evidenced-based approaches to reducing violent behavior including Conflict Resolution Training (Think First Curriculum), Mentoring (Achieving Success) and Restorative Justice Practices (Peacekeeping Circles).
Based on evaluation findings, the majority of YADP participants reported significant increases concerning their confidence in their ability to deal with conflict, including an increase in ability to self-calm, and increase in confidence concerning talking out disagreements, and an increase in their perceived ability to walk away from violence. YADP participants also reported positive increases in their perception of school, ability to persist into college, and interact in professional environments. Survey findings suggest an enhancing of interpersonal relationships and increased optimism concerning future circumstances.
The success of YADP is due, in large part, to the collaborative effort of concerned county and non-profit agencies committed to implementing innovative solutions to the wanton violence that unfairly plagues too many of our Chicago area neighborhoods. To that end, and on behalf of youth that participated in YADP, we want to thank the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Teamwork Englewood, Target Area Development Corporation, South Shore Drill Team, and SGA Youth & Family Services.
Please read and share our 2014-2015 Youth Asset Development Project Evaluation Report using the hashtag #WhatWeDoMatters!
If you have any questions, or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact Isaac McCoy, Special Initiatives Director, at 312.850.4444 ext. 227 or imccoy@ilaacp.org.
