The purpose of the “pilot project” is to create significant positive opportunities, resources and support for children living in one targeted neighborhood of New Bedford by helping parents, residents, educators and other stakeholders create a safe haven.The development and implementation of this pilot project will ultimately lead to project replication on a larger scale across the city of New Bedford.

The following is a synopsis of some of the components of the pilot project:

• Promote economic empowerment.
• Empower and support parents, by helping parents to increase their connection to and awareness of their children’s daily lives: i.e. school, social arenas.
• Promote academic success, as indicated by development of academic, leadership and social skills.
• Provide adult mentoring services to youth.
• Provide innovative recreation that meets the needs presented by our local youth.
• Ensure collaboration among local social and health providers, along with law enforcement, local businesses and the private sector.
• Teach violence prevention skills including but not limited to therapeutic interventions such as anger management and conflict resolution.

For a PDF version of the entire Campaign document, please go to http://www.umassd.edu/catls/initiatives/pilotproject.pdf