OUTREACH AND PREVENTION DEPARTMENT

When There is Nowhere Else to Turn

Our organization provides three mentoring groups: Journey to Manhood for young men, Jewells for young women, and Skittlez for youth who identify as LGBTQI+. These sessions are facilitated by adult mentors, with input from the mentees on the topics they would like to discuss. The topics covered in these sessions include financial literacy, STDs and HIV/AIDS prevention, dating and relationships, resume preparation and mock interviews, real-life accounts of drug use, and personal hygiene. Additionally, we offer one-on-one mentoring for those who prefer individualized support.

Jewell’s Mentoring Group

Jewells is a female mentoring program designed for young women between the ages of 13 and 24. Our program meets twice a month and offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes wellness (arts and recreational) activities, classes on healthy eating, hygiene, dating and relationships, self-esteem, etiquette, and substance abuse. Additionally, we cover important topics such as financial literacy, resume preparation, and mock job interviews to ensure our participants are well-equipped for success in their future endeavors.

The Jewells program offers mentoring sessions with up to 15 participants and four adult volunteers. These sessions are led by adult mentors, who take input from mentees on topics they would like to cover. Additionally, one-on-one mentoring is available, along with field trips as part of the program.

Named in memory of Pamela Jewell Walker, the late wife of Visions and Pathways CEO/Executive Director, David Walker, the Jewells program aims to empower and encourage women to support each other, reflecting Mrs. Walker's lifelong passions. Mrs. Walker passed away in 2019.

The Visions and Pathways Street-Smart Outreach team will identify Jewells’ participants throughout Morris, Somerset, and Union Counties. Participants will also have access to the organization's behavioral health department for assessments and counseling.

Questions? Contact Manny Vazquez, mvazquez@visionsandpathways.org

Prosperity Living Skills Program

Prosperity is a family-centered home visitation program for youth ages 14 to 21 throughout northern and central New Jersey.  Participants receive independent-living skills education, career counseling, and employment preparation through weekly workshops, mentoring groups and one-on-one support.

Many Prosperity participants will soon “age-out” of foster care. Visions and Pathways has developed relationships with corporations who provide volunteers to assist clients in reaching their personal goals. Ultimately, Prosperity helps decrease the probability of long-term dependence on public assistance, incarceration, and other detrimental life experiences.

Through home visits, one-on-one, counseling, mentoring and workshops, youth receive instruction in:

  • ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING
  • FINANCIAL LITERACY AND HOUSEHOLD FINANCE
  • JOBS AND CAREERS, INCLUDING WRITING RESUMES
  • VOCATIONAL TRAINING
  • HIGHER EDUCATION
  • INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
  • APPROPRIATE WORKPLACE BEHAVIOR
  • CULTURAL AWARENESS
  • CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND VOLUNTEERISM

Questions? Contact Manny Vazquez, mvazquez@visionsandpathways.org

Street Smart Outreach Program

STREET SMART is a street outreach program that helps youth and young adults between the ages of 13-24 who may be homeless, living in an unsafe environment, or experiencing acute problems at home. No one is refused services due to their age. Many Street Smart youth are at high risk of becoming human trafficking victims and addicted to opioids or other drugs.

Meeting Basic Needs. With offices in Bridgewater, Morristown, and Plainfield, Street Smart assists youth throughout central and northern New Jersey. The program identifies vulnerable youth, meets their basic needs, and connects them with partner resources. Teams of outreach workers offer assistance and services 24 hours a day and are also available in emergency situations.

Grassroots Early Intervention. Our workers canvas popular youth hangouts, such as fast-food restaurants, malls, convenience stores, and parks. They also work with local schools, police departments, churches, and other civic organizations to identify youth who may need help.

Our workers provide:

  • CRISIS INTERVENTION COUNSELING
  • SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • REFERRALS TO HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES
  • HIV/AIDS PREVENTION EDUCATION
  • HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION EDUCATION
  • HELP OBTAINING VITAL DOCUMENTS
  • HELP FINDING JOBS AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
  • FOOD, CLOTHING AND BLANKETS
  • ACCESS TO SHELTER

STREET SMART’S BILINGUAL STAFF ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 365 DAYS A YEAR.

If you or someone you know is in an unsafe living situation, please call

 

For more information, please visit the Street-Smart website at  www.streetsmartoutreach.org

Wellness Program

V&P's distinctive wellness program is essential to our strategy for empowering and guiding our youth towards self-actualization and self-sufficiency. The Wellness program impacts the mind, body, and soul through three key components: arts and recreation, nutrition and fitness, and spirituality.

Each component is described below:

  • Arts and Recreation
    • Activities: Activities are held regularly to actively engage our youth in hands-on experiences. These activities, such as art classes, pet therapy sessions, holiday celebrations, and jewelry making workshops, are scheduled once or twice a month.
    • Excursions: Our recreational outings are designed to foster a sense of camaraderie. These trips feature a variety of activities such as visits to the arcade, the Bronx Zoo, sporting events, Escape Rooms, and sculpture gardens. The youth work with the  Wellness Coordinators to plan trips that are engaging and enjoyable. These outings take place 2 to 4 times per month, providing our youth with opportunities for fun and excitement.
  • Nutrition and Fitness
    • Onsite: Our onsite fitness and nutrition components include healthy eating and cooking workshops, yoga, sports clinics and field days.
    • Excursions: Trips include hiking, different activities in the park and special workshops on healthy cooking provided led by volunteers.
  • Spirituality/Harmony Connection
    • Dinners Faith: Based groups come in and have dinner with our youth focusing on different spiritual such as, love, honesty, and trust. Often, these topics are feelings our youth may have a hard time identifying or exhibiting. The conversations are open, safe spaces.

The annual Giving Thanks Concert is the celebration of the wellness program’s three components:

  • Arts and Recreation,
  • Nutrition and Fitness, and
  • Spirituality 

Questions? Contact Manny Vazquez, mvazquez@visionsandpathways.org