Substance Abuse Services

www.slnhs.org

NHS is a grassroots community-based organization created in 1977. NHS targets older neighborhoods experiencing decline and develops partnerships along with a variety of strategies with residents, lending institutions, businesses, and city governments to revitalize these neighborhoods. One strategy developed through these partnerships, which has proven extremely effective, is the YouthWorks Program. YouthWorks provides experiences for "at-risk" youth ages 14-18 by utilizing an employment-training environment. Within this environment youth are provided a wide array of experiences in which to practice the skills they learn from drug and alcohol prevention to healthy family lifestyles; employment training to community service involvement. YouthWorks provides:

1. Employment Skills Development Youth experience construction skills training in project assessment, planning, development and implementations. This entails cost breakdowns, budgeting, time management and organization. Project development consists of "hands on" training in the area of construction including concrete, rough framing, finish carpentry, painting and landscaping.
2. Life Skills Development Youth acquire skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, decision making, communication, goal setting, planning and implementation, team building, positive peer interaction, employment skills, resume writing, public speaking and computer training. These skills and other related skills are essential for a youth to successfully transition to healthy adulthood.

Youth participate in daily training sessions involving these two fundamental components. Skills are developed through real work experiences that contribute to the revitalization of the community. Projects range from the construction of affordable housing to the organization of a major fund-raising event. This intervention also promotes positive family interaction and healthy adolescent self-esteem. As a community based prevention program, diverse challenges and opportunities are inherent to the YouthWorks program, such as promoting youth as a positive resource to the community rather than a liability.