Like an extended family, Identity teaches and models for young people the social-emotional, academic, workforce and life skills they need to thrive in the modern world.
Programs and services are provided at no cost at school, in the community and on playing fields and are complemented by family case management, mental health and substance use counseling, non-clinical emotional support and recreation. When it is most effective, programs and services are delivered virtually. Central to our work is empowering parents to engage in their children’s education and be champions for their success and the success of the community. As such, our youth and parents are full partners in planning and implementing our programs and services and community engagement efforts.
We bring a holistic approach to every client, family and neighborhood we help. Our programs and services are grounded in evidence-based models that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and trauma-informed, ensuring that youth and families can build and strengthen skills and abilities that will help them flourish throughout life.
The theoretical framework for our programming is Positive Youth Development (PYD). This is a strengths-based model that views youth as assets to be nourished rather than problems to be fixed. Programs are designed to build social-emotional competencies that decrease risky behavior. Identity offers engaging and culturally appropriate academic support for students who have interrupted education, a fragile connection to school and/or are falling behind. We provide support and activities to accelerate learning and school connectedness, which research shows can improve academic achievement.
Rigorous process and outcome evaluation is a hallmark of all Identity programs. Extensive information, including comprehensive indicators of social-emotional and behavioral wellness, is collected, monitored and analyzed through multiple surveys, which are available in English and Spanish to accommodate client preferences.