Building Better Horizons for Children, Youth, Teens and Young Adults
Caller: I am a high school teacher in Chattanooga, and I am wondering if there is a resource for some of my students who are struggling. Right now, I am thinking of a young man who is just learning to drive, and he doesn’t have a lot – really any – role models in his life. I think he needs an adult to take an interest and help him learn how to be safe. Some of my students live in situations where they don’t have enough “parent time” or even one responsible adult who cares about them. Some have disabilities, including behavioral and medical challenges. And that reminds me, my sister’s daughter, my niece, is struggling too in junior high, in Sevierville. She has been having some problems with behaviors, and my sister is feeling very overwhelmed as she has just become a single parent of three. Have you heard of any resources that may help or ideas which I could share?
PATHFINDER: What a dynamic question! Let’s unwrap this together. Rest assured, that there are several great resources that can help.
Rise Up Cooperative serves young people statewide, but happens to be based near Chattanooga in Hixson. The organization provides life and leadership skills to teens and at-risk young people age 13-23, and works to fill in service gaps in our communities. It aims to instill in youth how to be “responsible, independent, strong, empowered, upstanding and productive.” Here’s their informational page in the Pathfinder database:
https://www.tnpathfinder.org/view/provider/1890/rise-up-cooperative
Through their online workshops, blogs and classes the nonprofit organization provides information on many topics. Topics include: finance and money management; all things ‘car/vehicle’; navigating public transportation; home economics; personal health, hygiene and more; childcare (teen pregnancy help); dress for success; what will you do – discovering career aptitude; how to talk so people listen – communication; higher education; understanding emotional intelligence; leadership skills; time management; conflict resolution and protecting yourself; first aid; preventing substance abuse; professional writing; goal setting – success for future; all things ‘house/housing’; and social etiquette.
Workshops are offered for both teens and adults — parents of teens and other adults who want to learn more. You can connect with Rise Up by calling (423) 708-4557, or emailing office@riseupcooperative.org
Another youth-focused organization is Big Brothers, Big Sisters (BBBS) which has 50 years experience matching an adult mentor and role model, a “Big,” to a child or young person, also called a “Little.” BBBS points to research which shows that children with a mentor are more likely to be confident, to steer clear of drugs and alcohol and do better in school, to get along better with their family and friends and feel better about themselves.
The East Tennessee BBBS works with children age 6-18, in 34 counties. (But the age is 9-16 for the “Littles” at Middle Tennessee BBBS.) Right now East Tennessee BBBS is accepting applications for “Little Brothers and Little Sisters” in Anderson, Blount, Knox, and Sevier Counties. You may want to call or check their website later to see if they are taking applications for “Littles” from other counties such as Hamilton. Here’s their contact information:
https://www.tnpathfinder.org/view/provider/2551/big-brothers-big-sisters-of-east-tennessee
Their online application is here: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/4840675
For more information about Big Brothers, Big Sisters of The Mid-South, Inc., which serves 20 counties in West Tennessee, see their Pathfinder informational page: https://www.tnpathfinder.org/view/provider/2553/big-brothers-big-sisters-of-the-mid-south-inc
For more information about Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, which serves 8 counties, Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Sumner, Robertson, Dickson, and Cheatham, see their Pathfinder informational page here: https://www.tnpathfinder.org/view/provider/2552/big-brothers-big-sisters-of-middle-tennessee
Both Rise Up and BBBS use volunteers. Contact either organization if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or want to help in other ways.
Happy New Year!
If you or someone you know needs help finding resources, please contact Pathfinder for one-on-one assistance.
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