Project D.A.L.E. Inc.

WHAT IS PROJECT D.A.L.E. INC.?

     Project D.A.L.E. Inc. is a non profit organization thats is designed to change the lives of disadvantaged and at-risk youth.  The D.A.L.E. stands for Developing Adolescent Leaders into Existence.  Project D.A.L.E. Inc. was designed to fill the gaps between the much needed services that are limited to disadvantaged youth. 

     Our program will form partnerships with the local school districts and other social service agencies in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.  Project D.A.L.E. Inc.’s goal is to foster a commitment to young people that will promote pro-social friendships, strong interpersonal skills, and reassert a sense of hope in the future. Only through personal relationships can a sense of individual responsibility be reestablished that will give youth the commitment to follow through on the path to adulthood with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Through repeated failures in the classroom and the development of destructive habits, at-risk young people have lost faith in the possibilities that await them if they are successful in putting their lives together. To accomplish this goal, young people must be in a caring, inclusive learning environment that promotes their best effort and reinforces personal respect.

     The ultimate goal of Project D.A.L.E. Inc. is to become a comprehensive educational facility that will help develop and challenge pre and post adolescents' interpersonal skills, educational capabilities, offer counseling and mentoring service, engage them in the arts, and provide a safe, caring, fun and exciting learning environment.

THE TARGET GROUP 

    Project D.A.L.E.’s target group are children in grades Kindergarten through 12th, primarily middle school students, who come from lower socio-economic backgrounds and/or are considered to be at-risk.  It is projected that within three years, 50% of the system's students will be in middle school. This age group is particularly problematic and a perfect time for mentoring to be effective.

     Project D.A.L.E. Inc.’s mentoring program will pair a youth with a mentor and Case Manager. The program is designed to allow youth to participate in weekly planned activities to strengthen their interpersonal skills and develop positive social living skills. The relationship between the Case Managers and the youth participating in the program will improve the young person's confidence and hopefulness.  Mentors and Case Managers will receive continuous training throughout the year and Case Managers will participate in weekly meetings to report the young person's progress.

     Over time, Project D.A.L.E. Inc. will create a learning environment that will be an invaluable resource to young people, aspiring mentors and the community at large.

THE MISSION

     The mission of Project D.A.L.E. Inc. is to enhance the lives of disadvantaged and at-risk youth and mold them into future leaders through redirection, motivation, positive reinforcement and personal empowerment.