Transforming communities: advancing equitable futures - type of project: bethany christian services (bethany) of michigan, in collaboration with the grand rapids center for community transformation…

Transforming communities: advancing equitable futures - type of project: bethany christian services (bethany) of michigan, in collaboration with the grand rapids center for community transformation (grcct), proposes to implement a holistic teen pregnancy prevention program, "transforming communities: advancing equitable futures". The proposed project is a community defined and integrated model that provides seamless entry into activities for historically marginalized, high school-aged youth living in the urban core of grand rapids, michigan, the state's second-largest city. Bethany will implement an evidence-based curriculum with a myriad of strong partnerships dedicated to empowering the most underestimated youth and achieving measurable and innovative change for the community. Target populations & needs to be addressed: the project will serve an estimated 10,400 individuals total, including 3,600 youth (ages 14-19+) who live, learn, work, play, and/or worship in the 49507-ZIP code and surrounding areas. Based on bethany's experience with serving this population, the population of focus is likely to be multi-system involved, living in poverty, from historically marginalized populations, have experienced trauma, and may exhibit high-risk behaviors. A robust network of support will be created by training 5,400 caregivers/guardians and 1,400 local professionals who are in contact with the youth served. Goals of the project: the OPA funding opportunity calls for awardees to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes, promote positive youth development, and advance health equity for adolescents, their families, and communities by replicating evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs. This project aims to 1) reduce teen pregnancies and stis among youth served through evidence-based curriculum that strengthens their capacity for social-emotional learning and establishing healthy relationships, 2) certify program materials are evidence-based, age appropriate, medically accurate, culturally and linguistically appropriate, trauma-informed, and inclusive, 3) create a robust network of protective factors for youth, and 4) ensure program effectiveness and sustainability through a monitoring and improvement plan that engages stakeholders (especially youth) in the in all aspects of programming in an equitable manner. Proposed services: since 1993, bethany's youth services department (YSD) has developed holistic youth programs with funding from various sources. Staff aim to help young people access resources for a successful transition to adulthood through evidence-based curricula and services such as case management, mentorship, and vocational training. The organization also emphasizes youth voice, caregiver engagement, and community involvement, using feedback from meetings, focus groups, and advisory groups to inform program design and continuous improvement. Community connection: bethany utilizes its extensive network of community partners within mental health services, domestic violence support, housing, public and alternative schools, foster care systems, trauma-informed care, and the juvenile justice system for referrals, training, and expertise to act as a platform for youth transformation and ensure youth have access to the spectrum of community resources.