LIFE DIRECTIONS

Mission Statement - Life Directions’ mission is to motivate young adults, ages 13-35 to mature into responsible, productive adults through self-direction. The core values that center our impact are; self-responsibility, balance in relationships, partnership in diversity, and mission driven attitude. Life Directions promotes the powerful dynamic of “Peers Inspiring Peers” in our neighborhoods, high schools, and middle schools. The values promoted by, and incorporated through, our core programs benefit young men and women throughout their life so they can mature into excellent adults capable of giving life to their families and communities. In this respect, Life Directions represents a proven, prudent investment in our future, from generation to generation, compounding with time. The funds raised will be used to grow our already existing programs; Peer Motivation, and Peer Mentoring. Through expansion we will implement new programs into the Detroit Public School Community District. The Peer Motivation program partners with teachers in public high schools where students motivate their peers to take responsibility for their education and future through self-direction. Students work together through four developmental areas that challenge them to maturity in their personal life, their relationships, their growth in values and the managing of values in their lives when those values are in conflict with the world in which they live. The Peer Motivation Program is the training and development program that provides Peer Mentors (10th and 11th graders) for the Peer Mentor Program. Focusing on self-responsibility to the extent that people decide their direction based on positive internal values and in turn, act responsibly. The Peer Mentoring program establishes positive peer-to-peer and intergenerational mentoring relationships; by engaging school administrators, teachers, student families, Adult Coaches, certified peer achievers; and at-risk 8th graders in a community. In hopes of eliminating violence, self-defeating attitudes, and proper transition into high school leading to a successful graduation. Peer Mentors receive support, encouragement and guidance from trained Adult Coaches recruited from neighborhood and business communities. Together they form a “pyramid of support” advancing the academic and social achievement of the Peer Mentors and their 8th Grade Mentees.Our activities emphasize cross-cultural interactions that celebrate hope, and the positive values necessary for living a good life within supportive communities; this cultural enrichment has proved to be profound for all involved. Building up the following developmental assets of participating students: 1. Positive Cultural Identity with the home and family, allowing students to express the values they experience in their culture. 2. Intercultural Competence, gaining knowledge and comfort with people of different cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. 3. Awareness of Equality and Social Justice Issues across cultural, racial, ethnic and neighborhood boundaries.