How does my contribution help local youth?

For every dollar collected through donations from the community and individuals, ninety-five percent is deposited into an account directly associated to the organization collecting the donation. Upon approval of an individuals application, Project Assist researches the application and then approves the application. The youth may then participate in the programs at the associated organization. This allows those "at risk" youth the ability to take part in programs designed to make them productive members of society, and may not otherwise have that opportunity. 

In return, the organization agrees to accept youth either referred by the courts, school counselors, or applicants that are not able to otherwise have the means to participate.

Who qualifies?

Youth 4 - 18 years of age who meet at least one of the following criteria: 

  • Individual Characteristics - Alienation, Rebelliousness, Lack of bonding to society 
  • Family Influences - Parental conflict, Child abuse, Poor family management practices, family history of substance abuse, criminality, teen pregnancy, or dropout 
  • School Experience - Early academic failure, Lack of commitment to school, Dropping out of school 
  • Peer Group Influences - Friends who engage in problem behavior -- minor criminality, alcohol, drugs, gangs, violence 
  • Neighborhood and Community Factors - Economic deprivation, High rates of alcohol abuse, High rates of substance abuse, Proliferation of handguns among youth, Teenage Pregnancy, and Neighborhood disorganization