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.
- 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.