OVERVIEW

Positive Impact Movement is an academic and behavioral intervention strategy specifically designed for vulnerable and high-risk students. Our program model is approved by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners, the New York City Board of Education, Chester Community Charter Schools in Chester, PA., Franklin Township School District in Somerset New Jersey, York City School District, and identified by the Maryland State Department of Education as an effective model in decreasing negative youth statistics.

 PIM is a restorative program that motivates and prepares students for academic and personal success while building resiliency. Through mentoring, restorative practices, social-emotional training, life skills coaching, peer mediation, character development, and self-esteem building- Positive Impact Movement is committed to creating an alternative youth culture by achieving positive outcomes with high-risk and vulnerable populations. PIM recruits and train Cultural Influencer Mentors/Credible Messengers and allow them to positively impact young lives. These men and women mentor high-need youth who require training that is relevant to establishing appropriate values and character.​

The goal of the program is to positively impact high risk and vulnerable populations. Our focus is to reduce disruptive and violent incidents within targeted schools and communities, and thereby change the cultural environment by engaging youth in restorative activities, with caring adults who serve as role models/mentors, and life coaches. These individuals who provide relevant information to enable youth to develop a mastery of life skills.​

Our program model is consistent with Title IV 1. Section 4101 Student Support for Academic Enrichment of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and National School Discipline guidelines to reduce out-of-school suspensions and address disproportionate suspension rates of students of color and those with disabilities.

Cultural Influencers/Credible Messengers Mentors(CIMs) are key to our success influencing and positively impacting young men/women. Cultural Mentors/Credible Messengers are from the same cultural zip code or cultural environment as the youth they mentor. These individuals can establish Meaningful relationships which is needed to positively impact the lives of young men/women. These relationships will help students navigate through the daily hardships and traumas they are faced with at school and their communities. Cultural Mentors/Credible Messengers provide peer mediation, family visits, group, and one-on-one mentoring to youth to provide emotional support and life coaching which assists students with their socioemotional development. This helps channel the youths’ energy and aspirations into pro-social pathways that benefits mentees, their classmates and the community at large.

New Vision Youth Services has been implementing services in Baltimore City schools since 2005 and has demonstrated positive results and achievements that have positively impacted young lives, reduced dropout rates, violent incidents, increased attendance, improved academic behavior, school climate, and reduced truancy. PIM targets high-need children and youth, particularly those who are struggling with behavior and academic issues. Each year’s enrollment season for PIM will include: administration identification of students who need intensive mentorship. Then, special efforts will be made to recruit these youths to the program.

Why Positive Impact Movement (PIM) Approach Works:

1.     It helps the school create a positive learning environment, so teachers can teach.

2.     The PIM Credible Messenger Mentors provide relevant role models who provide first-hand evidence about the consequences of negative behavior and the benefits of positive behavior.

3.     Because the PIM Credible Messengers Mentors are from the same neighborhoods and/or cultural backgrounds as the young people, they understand their issues and challenges.

4.     Personal relationships with students motivate them to achieve.

5.     The PIM Credible Messengers can positively engage parents/caretakers and form a bridge between home and school.

6.     Young people are no longer afraid to share sensitive information that is pertinent to their personal development and relevant to the Credible Messenger’s ability to mediate and resolve conflicts.

7.     Innovative in-school programs offer alternatives to negative activities, and engage youth, instill self-esteem, and motivate them to achieve.

8.     Programs that focus on helping students develop social skills and emotional literacy, assist youth to manage their emotions, and make sound decisions.

9.     Restorative practices help deal with misbehavior, as well as the most serious problems, including violence, bullying and crime in a caring supportive way.

10.  Data on student and staff activities are collected and monitored to ensure fidelity of program and to identify successes and additional needs of students and staff.

11.  Credible Messengers support the growth and personal development of their mentees.

12.  Credible Messenger Mentors serve as a source of knowledge that enables mentees. success,

13.  Credible Messenger Mentors assist their mentees in setting personal and professional development goals.

14.  Credible Messenger Mentors hold their mentee accountable for their goals.