Programs
We have several programs geared toward motivating members of out community to be the best version of themselves.
Me 1st Youth Initiative
To restore youths with a healthy self-image through introspective teaching of essential social skills and to rekindle their intrinsic motivation and leadership abilities which are necessary for productive global citizenship.
The Me 1st Youth Initiative Outcomes
As a result of the Me 1st Youth Initiative coupled with Reaching for Teaching the New Age Student the following outcomes can be expected:
- Positive change in overall school climate, culture and morale
- Higher scores on formative and summative student assessments
- Increased student engagement measured by decreased absenteeism and lateness
- Students demonstrate more self-control, positive self-image and self-esteem
- Students and staff demonstrate more positive interactions & creative collaborations
- Visible, measureable evidence of intrinsic motivation among students and staff
- Decrease in divisive, confrontational and negative behaviors among students and staff
- Increase in student leadership roles; i.e. Student government, clubs, etc.
Reaching For Teaching the New Age Student
Mission Statement
To impact the academic achievement gap by equipping educators, administrators and security personnel with tools for effective communication and increased social awareness using an introspective, student-centered approach.
Initiative Overview
The Reaching for Teaching the New Age Student professional development sessions were designed to first address the low achievement of students, the high drop-out rate, the challenging behavior of students, the sometimes volatile encounters between students and staff and the apparent lack of belief in students that they can achieve high standards.
The second purpose is to help teachers understand and accept the part they play in bringing about a measurable change in this present day environment of underachievement. Through this action, begin the process of working together to implement these new understandings and methods to facilitate the change all would agree is desperately needed.
Lastly, to assist staff in breaking down walls that separate not only students from teachers, but teachers from teachers. There must be a total buy-in of the need for collaboration among teachers and relationships between teachers and students. These areas can not be obtained until there is an understanding of differences, a tolerance of them, a willingness to work towards the objective of student development and a clear understanding and acceptance of society’s role in the evolution and creation of this new and different student. Once this is done, communication will increase, relationships will grow, achievement will begin to reach expectations and most importantly, teacher moral and passion will be restored.
Losing is Living Youth Anti-Obesity Program
These are very interesting times in which we are living, not only in the United States, but the entire world. There was a time when famine and starvation were ever present issues and worldwide concerns. People were not able to provide for their families, and the shriveled malnourished faces of starving children seemed to haunt our conscious from one commercial to the next. Though starvation is still a reality in the world and even within the prosperity of these United States, there is a problem that has been creeping up on us year after year. This crisis is strange in its appearance because it is the very antithesis of its forerunner. What is it?
Simply put ,it is childhood obesity and the specter of an overweight lifestyle looming in the shadows. Isn’t it amazing that we as Americans have gone from worrying about children dying from starving and malnutrition in this country, to the point where we now have fallen into the unconscious act of killing our children with food?!
We at U.R. fertile Ground are committed to focusing a major part of our attention on teaching youth the importance of living a healthier life. One of the ways we intend on doing this is by moving them closer to their ideal weight with the emphasis being put on losing inches. By doing so, we understand that all of our body functions will become more regulated and will fall into a healthier range.
We will focus our attention also on raising their consciousness of self, developing and building self confidence through discipline, achievement and the harnessing of self control.
Single Mom's Open Forum
"The Language of Effective Parenting"
One of the major social challenges of today is the present condition of our youth. This problem is complicated by the apparent lack of respect for themselves, a lack of respect for their parent or guardian which results in a total lack of respect for society as a whole. The question that begs in this scenario is: “How did they get this way?”
A part of this answer can be summed up in one word, “Parenting”! What we need to do is go back to the old way of raising children. The original method regarded the parent as the last word on everything. The authority associated with being the parent was clearly defined and understood by all. That was a time when you asked permission to do everything and you did not question the answer that was given.
It was a time when you understood that everything you had was given to you by your parents and that you didn’t have a right to anything. There was also a clear understanding that you didn’t own anything if you didn’t buy anything.
Today’s youth seem to have grown up with an entitlement mindset! Somehow they have been taught or allowed to believe that they deserve anything they want and if they don’t get it, someone’s going to pay!
The reason again, I state, is a lack of effective parenting. Let’s make it even more specific: the absence of today’s parents having a clear, concise understanding of “The Language of Parenting.” There are specific words that must be included, infused if you will, into the mindset of parents. This is necessary if children are to understand what part they will play in the effective flow of family living and ultimately present a positive presence within this social existence. If you learn the language, then they will learn the behavior, it is as simple as that! But, what is the language? A series of words, that when the true meaning is understood and the bottom line purpose is determined, will effective parenting become a reality and socially responsible beings the product. Let’s work together and learn the Language of Parenting.
"Death of a Demon" Ex-Offender Initiative
These sessions are designed to unveil and deal withthe spirit man and his center verses the earthly body and its nature.
If man is truly a spirit and his body merely the housing, then to effect the man’s behavior, one must awake the control center, his spirit. Once his center is placed in control, then he can learn how to listen to it. The Bible says,” Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” The man’s spirit is the Genesis of his being. We do not discount the effect of any therapeutic methods used to facilitate the process of rehabilitation, but his spirit must also be empowered, his mind taught why and how to follow it and his soul secured for eternity.