Providence Housing Authority, North American Family Institute Launch Youth Leadership Academy

26-week curriculum for teens aged 13 to 17 set to take place at Manton, Hartford Park and Chad Brown Housing Units.

Today at the Thomas J. Anton Community Center, Mayor Angel Taveras joined Providence Housing Authority (PHA) Executive Director Stephen O'Rourke, representatives from the North American Family Institute (NAFI) Paul Lewis, Jay Paris and Maryanne McIntyre, and residents of PHA housing to kick off their Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) in Providence.

"Our teenagers are faced with many tough choices. The more positive options we give them, the better. I'm hopeful that this partnership between PHA and NAFI in creating this promising Youth Leadership Academy will give our kids the kind of support and guidance they need to help them reach their goals and fulfill their dreams. I urge them to take full advantage of this opportunity and I look forward to seeing them all at graduation," said the Mayor.

The YLA is poised to provide 22 teenagers (ages 13-17) that live in the Manton, Hartford Park and Chad Brown Housing units with leadership development, job readiness, civic engagement and conflict resolution skills. The YLA is a 26-week curriculum program conducted twice a week with courses ending in late September. Participants will receive a $50/month stipend.

About the PHA
The Providence Housing Authority exists to develop and maintain decent, safe, and sanitary housing, and to address the economic and social needs of residents. The Providence Housing Authority is committed to high standards of public accountability and continuous improvement through management excellence, professional development, and customer satisfaction. For more information about the YLA, contact Vency Beato of the PHA at 401-709-1104.

About NAFI
North American Family Institute/NFI's Mission is to: "Create community environments based upon principles of dignity and respect that help children, adults and families to grow and change in order to better their lives and the world around them." Each NAFI/NFI program works to create a socially cohesive community united by the following shared goals:

• Building positive, pro-social communities;
• Replacing anti-social norms with pro-social norms;
• Raising expectations and standards of both staff and youth;
• Creating a sense of collective ability to deal with issues;
• Celebrating educational achievement and personal growth;
• Planning community events on site;
• Solving community issues or problems.

To learn more, visit www.nafi.com