• Develop a participatory approach/co-design process for working with young people to address one of the needs you identified. Or a create a plan to partner with young people to implement a solution that aligns with the desired solutions you explored in Amplify. The audience for the plan should be specified (e.g. is it a proposal to a group of youth, community members, your supervisor?). 10 pages double-spaced The plan should include:
• Demographics of the area in which the work would happen and other information about the neighborhood including the information about youth programs, assets etc. that you identified in parts I and II.
• Description of the need that you will address, why it is important, how it will impact youth and the community. Use all the information you have gathered in Parts I, II, III to inform this part.
• Reflect on how you would collaborate with young people to create a youth-oriented initiative that addresses the issue/desire that you have identified. include readings and content from the class to justify your approach. Cite APA style.

PART I

Youth Development Landscape in Perth Amboy, New Jersey

Perth Amboy, New Jersey, offers a variety of youth development programs that address the diverse needs of its young residents. However, the community still faces challenges in providing comprehensive mental health services and job readiness training. This analysis examines the current youth development landscape in Perth Amboy, highlights existing programs, identifies gaps, and discusses how some initiatives reflect the principles of Positive Youth Development (PYD).

Perth Amboy has several key programs aimed at supporting youth in various aspects of their development. One notable example is the Perth Amboy Youth Alliance, which focuses on promoting adolescent leadership, community involvement, and personal development. This program offers youth opportunities to engage in civic activities, develop leadership skills, and participate in community service projects, reflecting the PYD principle of fostering competence and connection (Eccles & Gootman, 2002). By encouraging youth to take an active role in their community, the Youth Alliance aligns with key aspects of PYD, such as promoting responsibility and positive social interactions.

Another important resource is the Jewish Renaissance Foundation Youth Leadership Development Program, which offers after-school programs that focus on personal and academic growth as well as leadership training. This program offers tutoring, mentoring, and extracurricular activities designed to build confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging. Programs such as these emphasize PYD goals of helping youth develop resilience, autonomy, and caring for others, which are vital to positive youth outcomes (Lerner, 2005).

Additionally, Perth Amboy benefits from local recreational programs offered by the Perth Amboy Recreation Department, which offers sports leagues, art programs, and summer camps. These programs promote physical fitness, teamwork, and creative expression, contributing to the overall well-being of area youth. For example, sports leagues help develop discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving skills???all essential components of positive youth development (Catalano, 2002). However, despite the availability of these programs, there are notable gaps in mental health services and career readiness resources.

Despite the existence of these robust programs, Woodbridge lacks adequate mental health resources geared specifically toward youth. Currently, Woodbridge schools offer limited mental health services, and there are few affordable and accessible counseling programs for youth dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress. Additionally, there is a gap in programs that focus on career readiness and job-skills development for teens. Career readiness is an essential component of PYD, helping youth transition from school to the workforce and fostering economic independence. Programs that offer job shadowing, internships, or vocational skills workshops could address this need. Without these opportunities, many Woodbridge youth face challenges in preparing for adult life and post-secondary pathways.

Despite these gaps, some community programs reflect promising PYD practices. For example, the mentoring offered by the YMCA aligns with PYD principles of fostering close relationships between adults and youth. This mentoring can have lasting positive effects on youth development, including improved academic performance, social competence, and emotional health. Additionally, the focus on structured physical activities, such as those offered through community sports leagues, fosters positive peer interactions and discipline, which are key components of effective youth programs. The community could benefit from the introduction of more youth-interest-driven initiatives, such as leadership councils or creative arts programs, that encourage youth to pursue their passions and develop their identities.

In conclusion, while Woodbridge offers several valuable programs that align with PYD principles, such as the YMCA and local sports leagues, there are clear gaps in mental health support and career readiness. Addressing these gaps would create a more comprehensive approach to youth development, ensuring that youth receive the emotional, social, and vocational support they need.

References

Catalano, R. F., Berglund, M. L., Ryan, J. A., Lonczak, H. S., & Hawkins, J. D.(2002). Positive youth development in the United States: Research findings on evaluations of positive youth development programs.ERIC.https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED465844.pdf

Eccles, J., & Gootman, J. A. (Eds.). (2002). Community programs to promote youth development. National Academies Press.https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10022/chapter/1

Lerner, R. M., Almerigi, J. B., Theokas, C., & Lerner, J. V. (2005). Positive youth development: A view of the issues.Journal of Early Adolescence, 25(1), 10-16.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0272431604273211

PART II

The Youth Ask Youth census reveals significant challenges facing young people today, particularly around mental health and economic stability. 34% of youth report little enjoyment of activities and 26% feel lonely, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support. Additionally, 68% of youth were employed, but 27% were not accepted into the Summer Youth Employment Program, highlighting barriers to meaningful employment. Compounding these issues, 46% frequently worry about their household's ability to purchase food, reflecting widespread financial insecurity. These interconnected challenges suggest a critical need for community-based initiatives focused on mental health resources, job training, and food security programs. Involving youth in developing these solutions will empower them and ensure that interventions are relevant and effective, ultimately creating a more conducive environment for their growth and well-being.

The Youth Ask Youth census provides crucial information about the challenges facing young people today, particularly in terms of mental health and economic stability. According to the data, a considerable number of young people report experiencing symptoms of depression: 34% indicate they find little pleasure in activities and 26% feel lonely. In addition, 22% of respondents struggle with constant worry and 20% feel helpless. These figures underscore the urgent need to address mental health issues within this demographic.

Economic concerns also significantly impact young people's well-being. The census reveals that while 68% of young people had a job at the time of the survey, 27% applied to participate in the Summer Youth Employment Program but were not accepted. This gap puts the challenges young people face in securing meaningful employment first. In addition, 15% reported being unable to work outside the home due to caregiving responsibilities, indicating that family obligations further complicate their economic situation. A remarkable 46% of respondents expressed frequent concern about their household's ability to purchase food, illustrating the widespread anxiety around financial instability.

These interconnected issues of mental health and economic stress are critical areas for community intervention. Youth-generated data suggest a pressing need for comprehensive mental health support programs that can provide counseling and peer support groups tailored to the unique experiences of young people. By addressing the mental health crisis, we can foster resilience and help young people cope with their challenges.

Furthermore, the data puts first the need to improve access to employment opportunities. Community projects focused on job training, mentoring, and partnerships with local businesses could empower young people and provide them with the skills needed to secure stable employment. These initiatives should prioritize inclusion, ensuring that those facing barriers, such as caregiving responsibilities, can effectively engage.

Furthermore, given the high levels of food insecurity recorded, community projects aimed at addressing this issue are essential. Collaborating with local organizations to provide food assistance and resources can alleviate some of the financial pressures on families, thereby improving the overall well-being of youth. Initiatives such as community gardens, food drives, and partnerships with local food banks could also foster a sense of community and belonging.

In summary, the Youth Ask Youth census results provide a compelling rationale for focusing community project proposals on mental health support, economic empowerment, and food security. By using youth-generated data to inform our initiatives, we can develop targeted solutions that resonate with the lived experiences of youth. Involving youth in the design and implementation of these projects not only empowers them, but also ensures that the solutions are relevant and effective. Addressing these interconnected issues holistically will ultimately contribute to a healthier and more supportive environment for youth, allowing them to thrive in their communities.

References

www.amplifyapp.org/en/results/2023

PART III

Youth Development in Perth Amboy, New Jersey: An Intergenerational Asset and Needs Mapping Analysis

To conduct the intergenerational asset and needs mapping for Perth Amboy, New Jersey, a young man and I walked along a two-block radius in a downtown neighborhood known for its mix of residential and commercial spaces. The area contains key assets along with vacant lots and underutilized spaces that have potential for improvement through community-based changes.

Process and Observations

Using Future Mapping, we mapped several community assets that existed within this local landscape and highlighted several gaps. These assets included a pre-existing small park with seating and green space, a library, a youth center, and many small businesses including a grocery store, coffee shop, and local clothing store. We noted that there was an elementary school nearby that provided some resources to families, though there were no after-school facilities for older people. Among the undervalued spaces were a vacant lot and an abandoned building next to the park. In reviewing these spaces with youth, we brainstormed how they could be redesigned to meet some of the needs identified in Youth Ask Youth's census data.

Results

1. Mental health support opportunities

Census data indicated that a significant proportion of youth have mental health issues, experience loneliness (26%) or don't have much fun with activities (34%). In this mapping, we imagined an abandoned building as a potential community mental health center. It would be converted into a community center that could host workshops, peer counseling groups, and support services to foster mental health, with the goal of providing youth with a safe environment in which to have open dialogues, connect with others, and learn ways to cope. Additionally, building outdoor gathering spaces would make it easier for people to socialize and find time to release their stress.

2. Economic empowerment through employment and skills development

The youth census results indicated that only 68% of youth were employed, while 27% were not accepted into the Summer Youth Employment Program. Youth expressed a desire for accessible employment opportunities, which aligned well with some of the resources identified on our walk. For example, vacant land could be transformed into a community-driven initiative, such as a food stand or a garden maintained by youth. In addition to offering some vocational training, this will also offer fresh produce to the community to meet the food security goal, as well as skills development. Internship and mentoring opportunities for youth to gain practical experience and build relationships within their communities could be explored with the mapped enterprise through partnerships.

3. Food security was a top concern for respondents 46% of them feared that their household would not be able to afford to buy food. While there is a grocery store in the mapped area, the variety of fresh produce and affordable food seemed limited. The community garden could also meet this need by creating fresh produce for low-income families. Additionally, regular food drives organized in cooperation with the youth center could increase this need and create a truly reliable and ongoing source of food in the community for food security for households in need.

Conclusion

The mapping exercise revealed a pressing need for spaces related to youth mental health, economic opportunity, and food security - all topics reflected in Part II of the analysis. These are needs that could be met directly by repurposing underutilized spaces in our neighborhood for programming. They (the abandoned building and vacant lot) could be reimagined as flexible, multi-use spaces that allow youth to provide mental health support and help address food insecurity. Youth participation in the design and implementation will enhance the ownership of these programmes and therefore their effectiveness and relevance to their needs.

References

Amplify. (n.d.). https://www.amplifyapp.org/en/results/2023