“Without programs like Empower, we are always going to be behind the problem and we’re never going to be able to solve it.”
Aaron McBride, an O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs graduate from Indianapolis, Indiana, is dedicated to the development of improved quality of life for Central Indiana youth and families. For over nine years, Aaron has committed himself to advancing developmental opportunities for youth through work in social welfare and the nonprofit sector. Aaron shows a passion to advance the quality of life for youth and families through advocacy and collaboration.
Aaron is currently serving as Chief Operations Officer for Reach for Youth and has been a dedicated member of Empower Johnson County for nearly three years. We asked Aaron to share his thoughts with us about Empower’s mission, how it touches the work he does at Reach for Youth, and what he envisions for the future. Hear his passionate responses below.
Why is Empower’s mission important?
What are some common goals that Empower and Reach for Youth share?
What positive impacts have you seen through Empower’s work in the community?
What is your vision for the future of this partnership?
More About Reach for Youth
For over 47 years, Reach For Youth has been a leader in providing family-focused services. Mental health counseling is at the core of all services and offered in conjunction with a continuum of positive youth development and prevention services that provide academic support, engagement, restorative justice, and promote resilience. Reach For Youth services take a two-generation approach to engage both youth and parents in developing more effective and improved relationships.
Reach For Youth provides students with a continuum of mental health and positive youth development services that are uniquely tailored to address the root causes of behavioral or emotional issues that prevent youth from succeeding inside and outside the classroom. Together with a therapist, youth and parents develop individualized treatment plans that address their unique needs through individual and family counseling sessions over a period that ranges from six to twelve months.
Reach For Youth also leverages other prevention services such as the Teen Court program, which is a peer-to-peer program where youth engaging in high-risk behaviors or school violations have their case heard by a jury of their peers. Teen Court uses restorative justice practices such as counseling and workshops to help youth learn from their mistakes. Reach For Youth provides youth and parents with the necessary resources and skills to overcome these barriers, increase their family protective factors, and get back on track for academic and personal success.
Get more information about Reach for Youth by visiting their website and follow them on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.