Pittsburgh Nonprofit Summit - The Art of Storytelling, Andy Goodman
TEENS Handbook Revised
1. Funding provided by the City of Detroit
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
Funded in Part by The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth
and The Detroit Workforce Development Department
Auxiliary Aids and Services Available Upon Request to Individuals With Disabilities
A Michigan Works! Affiliate
Detroit: TEENS
(Training, Education, Employment, and
Nurturing Services)
Handbook
3. Detroit Locations :
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
Howard B. Bloomer Club
3910 Livernois Ave
Project Coordinator: Robert Cross
Dick and Sandy Dauch Campus NFL/YET CLUB
16500 Tireman
Project Coordinator: Craig Pilawski
Lloyd H. Diehl Club
4242 Collingwood Ave
Project Coordinator: LaKena Crespo
James & Lynelle Holden Club
20100 Schoenherr
Project Coordinator: Brett Jordan
Project Director: James “Troy” Stevens
Call (313) 304-3158 for more information
A Michigan Works! Affiliate
Detroit: TEENS Handbook
Welcome to Detroit: TEENS
About Detroit TEENS
(Training, Education, Employment, and Nurturing Services)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (B&GCSM), through the Workforce
Investment Act (WIA) Year-Round Youth (YRY) program, will provide education
reinforcement, career development skills, as well as work experience that focuses
on life management and work readiness to eligible Younger-In School Youths
between the ages of 14-18.
Detroit TEENS is designed to be well-rounded and serve the holistic needs of
teens. Our aim is to bolster youth’s positive development– mentally, emotionally, and
physically.
Mission Statement
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan is a youth development organization
providing a positive environment that enables its members to become responsible,
self-reliant, caring adults!
Youth Development Strategy
The efforts of youth professionals, parents, guardians, volunteers, concerned
citizens, schools and local agencies come together to provide opportunities for our
teens to live full, satisfying and productive lives. It is important that all programs
and activities promote theses efforts to their full potential. The Youth Develop-
ment Strategy is designed to build self-esteem and allow our teens to grow into
responsible and caring adults by using four basic principles. These principles are
described as senses:
A sense of competence– Teens feel proud and confident when they acquire new
skills and know they can do something and do it well.
A sense of usefulness– Teens know the satisfaction of doing something of value
for others.
A sense of power and influence– Teens know their opinions are heard and valued,
giving them a sense of power and influence.
A sense of belonging- Teens know they are welcome and feel they fit in and are
accepted.
The Youth Development Strategy is part of every program and activity at Boys &
Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan.
Safe Haven
Weapons and/or other items which may cause fellow members harm are not
permitted at any time. Everyone is expected to report any weapon or
misconduct to a Professional Staff member immediately.
Confidentiality
All member information and personal conversations are kept in strict confidence.
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4. Detroit: TEENS Handbook
Rights and Responsibilities
Detroit TEENS program participants will be members of B&GCSM’s Clubs in
Detroit for a minimum of one-year. Activities will be held 20 hours per week,
four (4) hours per day, Tuesday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There is additional time available on
Saturdays for extra study-time, wrap up of various projects or to meet with
staff.
Rights Responsibilities
Supportive Services
The TEENS program will provide individualized mentoring and tutoring for all
participants. Teens who are experiencing difficulties (academic, attendance,
social, and/or personal problems, etc) will have additional sessions.
Participants in need of supportive services will be referred by the Project
Coordinator to other community resources. Project Coordinators will provide
follow-up services for not less than 12 months following class or program
completion.
Teens have the right to fair and equal
treatment.
Teens are responsible for treating
staff, volunteers, and fellow members
fairly and equally.
Teens have the right to be respected. Teens are responsible for respecting
others.
Teens have the right to have leaders
with appropriate training.
Teens are responsible for participating
in the training.
Teens have the right to learn and play
in a safe and healthy environment.
Teens are responsible for keeping their
Clubs clean and safe.
Teens have the right to safe equipment. Teens are responsible for care of
equipment.
Teens have the right to explore
opportunities for growth and
development.
Teens are responsible for being on time,
preparing for sessions, listening,
following instructions, and goal setting.
Teens have the right to have fun. Teens are responsible for respecting
the fun time of others.
Teens have the right to participate in
decision-making and leadership activity.
Teens are responsible for participation
in the decision-making process.
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Detroit: TEENS Handbook
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Passport to Manhood- A program that seeks to teach teen males responsibility and
instill values and morals that assists them in their journey from adolescence to manhood.
Male teens understand the tenets of responsible and mature behavior.
Club Tech (Digital Arts) - Offers the skills to make digital movies, create electronic
music, design a web page, and more. Teens are instructed on the techniques and
development of today’s technology.
Teens learn to use cutting-edge software in various digital art forms.
Keystone Club– Ties together community, unity, leadership development, education and
career development, and social recreation. This club creates and maintain high standards
of health, education, and character and citizenship in order for teens to develop into
responsible, productive adults. Each Keystone Club practices the principles of self-
government, allowing members a maximum of self-expression and democratic experience.
By providing adult guidance and the Keystone structure, teens are developing vital skills
necessary to make important life decisions and help them transition successfully to
adulthood.
Participants develop/enhance leadership skills via participation in Keystone Club
activities.
Teens enjoy fellowship and develop self confidence.
Participants contribute to the community through service and volunteerism.
Foster understanding and respect between groups and individuals.
Youth for Unity- Designed to help teens cultivate individuality, build cultural
identity, and appreciate diversity. Throughout the Youth for Unity program,
activities are structured around four primary themes designed to help Club members
see themselves as unique and special individuals, understand our society’s diversity,
recognize bias and unfairness, and take personal leadership in confronting bias.
Participants recognize inappropriate attitudes that result in bigotry, prejudice, and
discrimination.
Social Recreation- Allows teens the opportunity to interact with other club members in
various levels. Programs in this area develop fitness, positive use of leisure time, skills
for stress management, appreciation for the environment and social skills.
Participants improve their socialization skills
Interaction with members of different ages and backgrounds to better under
stand social barriers
Improve overall communication skills with members which can be carried through-
out post involvement at the Boys & Girls Club
NetSmartz- A comprehensive Internet safety program that engages teens in
multimedia activities.
Increase safety awareness of cyber bullying, scams, and predators while using
the Internet
5. Detroit: TEENS Handbook
Skills Tech- A basic computer skills program that develops proficiency with word
processing, spreadsheets, and other programs through fun, hands-on, engaging lessons
and projects.
Successful completion of Microsoft Word document and Excel Spreadsheet
Triple Play Daily Challenges- A program based on improving physical fitness through
activities such as basketball and jump rope.
Learn how to manage stress through physical fitness activities; improve health and
fitness levels
Triple Play Healthy Habits- Designed to empower and encourage teens to eat nu-
tritiously by covering the aspects of calories, vitamins and minerals, the food guide
pyramid, and appropriate portion size.
A stronger knowledge of healthy and unhealthy food choices
Power Hour- Time during the school year to assist teens with their homework and
further their skills beyond the classroom. Availability of one-on-one help between a
professional staff member and student (which otherwise not might be an option) allows
participants immediate academic feedback.
On-time Homework Completion
Improvement of One Grade Level in Basic Skills (i.e., math, reading) for those
with deficiencies
Participants are naturally motivated, lifelong learners
Participants graduate from high-school and make positive post secondary
school choices
Participants are proficient in basic academic disciplines
Project Learn- A club philosophy that reinforces and enhances the skills and
knowledge teens typically learn at school during the hours they spend at the club. This
is done through High Yield Learning Activities in each of the Club areas and through
meaningful conversations with adult staff.
Improvement of One Grade Level in Math & Reading Skills for participants with
deficiencies.
Date SMART- Teens learn how to achieve mutually supportive relationships free of
violence and abuse. This program also encourages teens to become community
advocates for relationships that promote equality and respect while combating the
attitudes and behaviors that lead to sexual and domestic violence.
Connect teens and their families with community-based resources for dating,
sexual and domestic violence and its prevention.
Increase teens’ ability to help their friends and family members who may be
experiencing dating, sexual or domestic violence.
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Detroit: TEENS Handbook
Non-Smoking and a Drug Free Environment
All facilities, properties, grounds and events are non-smoking and drug free.
Alcohol, prescription, non prescription drugs and any other substances are
prohibited. Everyone is expected to report any smoking or drug use to a Project
Coordinator or Professional Staff member immediately.
Computer Usage
The TEENS program affords participants the opportunity to utilize technology
in meaningful and educational ways. In an effort to maintain safety within the
TEENS program, participants are prohibited from accessing chat sites such as
Facebook, My Space, Twitter, Bebo, Zwinky, Black Planet, etc. while at Club sites.
Field Trips
Boys & Girls Clubs provide supervised transportation to and from scheduled
activities (field trips) only. For most field trips, we utilize buses and/or vans.
Permission slips signed by parents or guardians must be received in advance.
Dress Code
Members, parents and guardians are expected to respect the Club at all times,
especially in the way they dress. Shoes must be worn at all times. Appropriate
attire may be required for certain activities. Hats and caps are not worn in the
Club. The following attire may not be worn at the Club:
See-through or mesh clothing unless worn over other apparel. Garments that
expose the midriff. Halter tops and tank tops. Biking shorts or short shorts.
Garments or accessories, which display emblems relating to gangs, abusive
substances, sex or obscenities. Excessively tight fitting or revealing apparel
should not be worn.
Discipline and Conduct
If teens conduct themselves in a disorderly fashion and disregard the rights and
responsibilities set forth, they will be disciplined accordingly. Parents or guard-
ians of the member will be notified immediately.
Referrals to outside organizations for assistance may be required and suspension
from the Club for a time period may take place, which are deemed suitable to
the offense.
Absences
*Detroit TEENS participants must report to all programs, paid/non-paid work
experience sessions, and service projects by the scheduled time. Participants
who will be absent or will be more than 10 minutes late are required to call di-
rectly or call the Detroit: TEENS phone line (313)304-3158 at least
30 minutes prior to their scheduled start time.
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6. Detroit: TEENS Handbook
Attendance Control
During sessions, the participant’s attendance is documented on a daily sign-in
sheet. Participants are required to sign in (full name, cursive signature)
immediately upon arrival to the training facility, in/out for lunch, and sign out
upon leaving the facility each day for the duration of training.
The Club will be closed on these Holidays:
* Teens will be notified of any other days, which are not listed above, including
those for inclement weather that may cause the Club site to close.
Excused absences are absences that:
Are excused by the Project Coordinator most likely due to emergency, school
related, personal or family matter at the Project Coordinator’s discretion.
Scheduled Absence/Tardy
Should a participant need to schedule an absence such as family vacation or
doctor’s appointment we ask that participants submit their request two weeks
prior to scheduled date.
Unexcused absence are absences that:
Are not previously approved by the Project Coordinator
Are not called in within 30 minutes prior to start time
The result of a participant leaving the building/activity without the
Project Coordinator’s permission before the scheduled end time.
The result of the Project Coordinator or Club Director sending the
participant home due to unacceptable behavior.
Volunteer Opportunities:
There will be numerous opportunities for Detroit: TEENS participants to
volunteer in the community as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs. Participants are
required to complete 40 hours of volunteer service by June 30, 2009.
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Independence Day 07/03/09 New Year’s Eve 12/31/09
Labor Day 09/07/09 New Year’s Day 01/01/09
Thanksgiving Day 11/26/09 MLK Birthday Day 01/18/10
Day After Thanksgiving 11/27/09 Good Friday 04/02/10
Christmas Eve 12/24/09 Day after Good Friday 04/03/10
Christmas Day 12/25/09 Memorial Day 05/31/10
Detroit: TEENS Handbook
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Program Descriptions and Outcomes
Career Launch- Is a multi-faceted employment-training program that prepares teens
for the world of employment. Teens explore careers, make sound educational deci-
sions and set educational goals.
Self assessments allow teens the ability to make informed career choices.
Money Matters: Make It Count- Promotes financial responsibility and independence
among teens by building their basic money management skills. Practical tips and
activities help teens learn the important skills of balancing a checkbook, creating a
budget, and saving and investing for college and retirement.
Teens learn to manage a checking account, maintain a budget, and save and invest
their money wisely.
Teens are exposed to the steps necessary to start a small business and various
ways to cover the cost of college.
SMART (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) Moves- Prepares teens as leaders
to help their peers resist using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and comprehend the
risks of sexual activity. SMART Moves features engaging, interactive, small-group
activities that increase teens’ peer support, enhance their life skills, build their resili-
ency and strengthen their leadership skills.
Teens are empowered by their ability to resist harmful lifestyle choices.
Goals for Growth- Assisting teens with creating personal goals which can help them
develop as an individual and alter their lives for the future.
Attain a minimum of 3 Personal Goals per member.
SMART Girls- It is crucial that teen girls develop healthy attitudes and lifestyles.
This program addresses health and social issues that are specific to young women.
Teen girls develop an understanding and appreciation of their bodies and the
physical, emotional, and social changes they are experiencing.
Young women develop positive lifelong nutritional and healthy exercise habits,
based on an understanding of nutritional needs specific to females.
Participants develop communication skills through involvement of adult female
role models/mentors to enhance important female relationships.
Young ladies develop an understanding of how to access the health care deliver
service in their community.
Goals for Graduation– Participants generate and reach personal goals through
education. The program offers a positive link between future aspirations with
immediate actions. With help from development professionals, members set various
achievable “Know I Can,” more challenging “Think I Can,” and yearly “Believe I Can”
goals
Attainment of minimum 5 Personal Educational Goals per member
