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Camden, N.J., Program Aims to Steer Youth Away from Drugs
Camden youth mentoring and enrichment program
The Woodland Community Development Corporation developed a project that provides inner-city children in Camden, N.J., ages 5–14, with tutoring and enrichment activities in an effort to delay their experimentation with alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs.
Woodland is a Camden-based nonprofit social service agency established by the Rev. Floyd L. White III, pastor of the Woodland Avenue Presbyterian Church in Camden.
Key Results: Project results reported by Woodland included:
- Establishment of an after-school program to give students academic assistance, cultural enrichment, and substance-abuse information.
- Employment of a substance abuse prevention specialist, a dance therapist, and an art therapist to work with students at the homework centers on a rotational basis. These professionals provided positive activities aimed at increasing self-esteem.
- Convening of two parenting workshops for parents of participating students.
- Sponsorship of two public events—called Spring Extravaganzas—to showcase dance routines and anti-drug skits performed by students.
- Surveys of staff at the homework centers conducted indicated participating students showed improvement in grades and motivation. Further, more than 91 percent of parents surveyed said their child's academic performance had improved while participating in the program.