School-Based Programs

HANDY’s L.I.F.E (Life skills, Independent Living, Foundation Building, Education and Employment) Program provides youth development and tiered case management services funded by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County to Eagles Nest Charter School and Pompano Beach Middle School. The Youth Force – L.I.F.E. Program provides year-round programming for at-risk middle school age youth.

The Youth Force – L.I.F.E. Program provides year-round programming for at-risk middle school age youth to strengthen protective factors by helping youth develop resiliency, a positive outlook, healthy family dynamics, pro-social relationships with peers and adults, positive decision-making skills, strong community attachment, and academic success; and reduce risk factors related to teen pregnancy, delinquency, substance abuse, family dysfunction, mental and physical health problems, negative peer associations, and school failure.

HANDY’s LIFE Program provides individual in-school and in-home tiered case management and counseling services, after school programming, Monday thru Friday (from dismissal to 6:30pm), select non-school day activities and summer camp services each summer.

EMBRACE

The LIFE Program offers individual, group and ongoing support services including:

• Emergency needs assistance for food, clothing, beds, housing, transportation, healthcare
• Individual and group Life Skills instruction
• Dance, drama, fitness, art and other recreation activities
• Back to School Shopping and Holiday gifts
• Family Thanksgiving Dinner
• Referrals to Community Resources
• Individual case management and counseling

EDUCATE

The LIFE Program provides tutoring and educational activities including:

• Prevention Education (drop out, pregnancy, substance abuse, anti-bullying, juvenile crime)
• Tutoring from certified teachers, peers, and volunteers
• Homework Assistance and completion
• Liaison with Guidance Counselors at individual schools to ensure that youth are on track for grade promotion and behavior requirements
• Exposure to higher education via College Tours

EMPOWER

The LIFE Program encompasses activities that promote empowerment including:

• Youth development and engagement sessions such as TOP Program curriculum
• Service Learning projects
• Peer mentor relationships
• One week sleep away camp

The LIFE Program is evaluated each year by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County. The most recent Results Based Performance Accountability Report for FY 12/13 reflected the following performance measures for HANDY’s Youth FORCE – LIFE Program:

• 91% of youth decreased risk behaviors
• 90% of youth improved their school success factors
• 100% of female participants did not become pregnant and male participants did not cause a pregnancy
• 100% of youth participants did not use drugs or alcohol