At DISRUPT Utah, we disagree with the term “at-risk youth” because we recognize that they are impacted by systems of inequity and a lack of resources. We aim to shift the mindset of putting the blame on youth, and instead opt to help them thrive.
Our program curriculum addresses the barriers of body autonomy and intergenerational trauma healing with youth ages 11 to 17 and includes interactive workshops in psychoeducation and cross-cultural awareness. Our focus population faces many barriers and largely consists of children of color, who are disproportionately taken into custody and incarcerated.
As of July 23rd, DISRUPT Utah entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Juvenile Justice Youth Services with the Department of Human Services allowing us to officially work with the Day Skills Intervention youth. We are working with 12-15 youth on probation at JJYS facility. We are conducting our Find The Leader Within workshops every Friday in twelve week intervals. We are working with a curriculum content creator with years of experience with Utah and California Youth work. She is amazing and has made our second pilot run even better in terms of activities to engage the youth and creating a safe space for vulnerability and deep reflection. The current cohort is responding well and learning more things about themselves every time we meet. As of today, we have had 24 youths participate in our program. These youth ranged in age from 15 to 17 and were majority male (64.3%). The majority of the youth who participated were Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. Specifically, 42.9% identified as Latino(a)/Hispanic, 14.3% as American Indian or Alaskan Native, 7.1% Asian or Pacific Islander, 7.1% Black, and 7.1% two or more races; 21.4% identified as White. In terms of education, most had completed at least some high school, although 14.2% stated that 8th grade was the highest grade they had completed. Most youth (78.6%) lived with their biological mothers. However, only 21.4% lived in a household with their biological fathers. The majority of participants (64.3%) had been on probation two or more times. After completing the workshop, 80% stated that they had learned a lot from the program, and 100% stated that they would recommend the workshop to other youth.
DESTIGMATIZE mental health
INFORM on generational curses
STRENGTHEN cross-cultural awareness
REIMAGINE potential and personal growth
UNLEARN bias & prejudice
PRIORITIZE healing & self-care
TRANSFORM change within and among communities
believes that youth are powerful change agents liberating those within systems of oppression.
values having difficult conversations and cultivating growth within the discomfort.
values providing access to a higher quality of life, which we believe is a human right.
values providing access to a higher quality of life, which we believe is a human right.
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DISRUPT Utah is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations to DISRUPT Utah are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
EIN # 87-2551341