Transcending Cultural Barriers

Gpy organizations works with diverse youth populations in their communities. The youth come from every race, creed and socio-economic background. Our programs succeed with diverse populations because we address what it is to be human and what it takes to succeed as human beings: listening, support, commitment and resiliency.

For example, Colorado Youth at Risk brought together a very diverse population in its first program conducted in partnership with the Colorado National Guard. Youth from Hispanic, African-American, Caucasian backgrounds participated in the program. The first group had rival gang members, skinheads, and youth from inner city and affluent neighborhoods. In Phoenix, the core program has been produced with inner city Hispanics, African-Americans, Caucasians and Native Americans. Some programs have had participants from rival gangs. Another program served only middle school girls. Two programs have served Native American tribes - Gila River and Ak Chin.

The Puerto Rico organization has developed a unique program - Orden del Manicato - incorporating many native rituals and traditions. Sweden is developing a program that will serve ethnic minorities displaced from conflicts through Europe.

Youth


"For ten years, New York Youth at Risk (NYYAR) has reached out to young people, including violent high school students, disruptive third graders, children on probation, boys without live-in fathers, teen mothers, and homeless families, and helped them learn to act positively and to set and achieve goals that help them become contributing members of the community."

Rudolph W. Giuliani, Mayor
New York Youth at Risk
New York, NY


Youth
"The most important thing I learned in this program is that I can walk away from a fight.."

Moises, Youth
New Mexico Youth at Risk
Albuquerque, New Mexico


"Breakthroughs for Youth at Risk (BFYAR) invites all racial/cultural groups to participate, but has attracted Polynesian groups primarily. In the last program cycle, 75% were partially of Hawaiian, Tongan or Samoan ancestry. Other groups include, Caucasian, African-American and Asian-American."

Marvin Uehara, Executive Director
Breakthroughs for Youth at Risk
Pearl City, Hawaii