Family and Community Violence Prevention Program
LOUISIANA
Xavier University of Louisiana 1 Drexel Drive P.O. Box 84B New Orleans, LA 70125 |
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Phone: | (504) 485-5197 |
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Fax: | (504) 485-7925 |
Title: | Xavier University Family and Community Life Center |
Project Period: | 08/01/03 - 07/31/06 |
FLC Director: | Pamela Rodgers |
Target Group: | Students 8-15 |
The goal of the Xavier University Family and Community Life Center (XUFCLC) is to help prevent and reduce violence among African American youth by improving their educational and future economic opportunities. An after-school program for 35 elementary and middle school youth in the New Orleans area provides daily tutorial services in math, reading, and writing. Participants also have access to the campus computer laboratory. An age appropriate personal development curriculum includes discussions on topics such as conflict resolution, values clarification, smoking prevention, leadership skills, anger management, decision making, and substance abuse prevention. Program participants and their parents are provided the opportunity to attend career building seminars/career fairs and job shadowing in collaboration with the University Career Services Division. Cultural pride and awareness of the local heritage are fostered through exposure to the African American culture and the local culture of Louisiana. Among the included activities are cultural exhibits and historical tours. Recreational enrichment activities are offered to improve social skills and promote teamwork. The four-week summer enrichment program, conducted on Xavier's campus allows for 35 participants (academic year participants and new participants) to participate in structured activities, including personal development, academic development, personal hygiene, and career preparation. Xavier students serve as mentors to the participants, which allows for bonding and relationship building. The XUFCLC also awards mini grants to teachers and/or schools in the Greater New Orleans Area School System to support activities that include violence prevention, conflict resolution, academic enrichment, and/or educational enhancement. XUFCLC collaborates with a number of community partners in implementing the program. |