TURNING POINT LANSING

The program delivered structured, biweekly instructional sessions designed to promote positive youth development, leadership capacity, and pro-social decision-making among participating young men. Program activities were grounded in the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba), which served as an evidence-informed cultural framework to support behavioral change, personal accountability, and community engagement. The curriculum focused on Umoja (Unity) to strengthen peer relationships and community cohesion; Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) to enhance goal-setting, self-advocacy, and personal responsibility; Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) to reinforce teamwork and shared accountability; Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) to build financial awareness and economic cooperation; Nia (Purpose) to support career exploration and long-term planning; Kuumba (Creativity) to encourage problem-solving and constructive self-expression; and Imani (Faith) to foster resilience, ethical decision-making, and confidence in future success. Through participation, youth demonstrated increased engagement, improved self-efficacy, and measurable progress toward individual development goals aligned with program objectives.

Parent Engagement Program Program Structure The Parent Engagement Group will convene on the fourth Sunday of each month for a total of eight (8) structured sessions per program cycle. Sessions will utilize an evidence-informed curriculum focused on positive parenting practices, youth development, and family engagement. Parental Skill Development 80% of participating parents/caregivers will complete all eight sessions. Pre- and post-program assessments will demonstrate a measurable increase in parental knowledge and skills, including effective communication, consistency, and positive behavior management. 75% of parents will demonstrate improved understanding of the distinction between punishment and discipline, as measured through session evaluations and applied practice discussions. Parents will report increased confidence in supporting their young mens social, emotional, and behavioral development. Youth and Community Outcomes 80% of parents will report observable improvements in their young mens behavior, accountability, and community engagement during and following program participation. Parent feedback will indicate increased alignment between home expectations and program mentoring goals. Digital Resource Center Development A digital resource center will be developed and maintained to provide parents with access to a centralized listing of tri-county area services, including youth development, mental health, employment, educational, and family support resources. The resource center will include a minimum of 15 verified community service providers, reviewed and updated quarterly. 75% of participating parents will access the digital resource center during the program cycle. Parents will report increased awareness of available community supports and improved ability to connect with services aligned with their parenting objectives and desired family outcomes. Evaluation and Continuous Improvement Participant attendance, surveys, and facilitator observations will be tracked to monitor engagement and effectiveness. Evaluation findings will be reviewed regularly to inform program refinements and ensure alignment with stated objectives and funder requirements.