Elements - Youth Violence Intervention Program

12/16/2020

One of the best things about our program is the amount of individual time we get to spend with the youth we serve... side by side working with them to help them reach their goals.

12/05/2020

"In all this world there is nothing so beautiful as a happy child." -L. Frank Baum

11/28/2020

While this year has had it's own set of challenges, we still have so much to be thankful for. Our program youth reminded us of so many of those things as they made a Tree of Thankfulness this week.

11/25/2020

We have loved watching you grow over the last 5 years. Every day that passes you grow stronger, more wise, and even more beautiful inside and out. You brighten up the room every time you walk in, and we are so blessed to be able to share that light with you. Happy 17th Birthday Tamiya, keep reaching for the stars...we are so proud of you!

11/21/2020

"Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend."
-Albert Camus

11/05/2020

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Everywhere!

10/11/2020

There are certain days and moments that stay in your memory forever, where you are reminded why you do the job that you do, that make every challenging day worth the hardship...

Today was one of those days for our team...filled with so many of those moments.

In the 13 years that I have worked with this Program, I have never seen the extent of love, support and compassion in a group activity, that I saw today.

We as staff were brought to tears, while youth around us were as well. Youth pushed themselves further than they could imagine themselves going, full of determination, and fighting their inner struggles along the way. Youth encouraged each other, lifting each other up...and at times PHYSICALLY lifting each other up to help them down in moments where they were too scared to come down. We saw youth physically and emotionally exhausted from pushing themselves, and their teammates refusing to see them go down without making it to the top, LITERALLY extending a hand and their extra strength to pull them up to the top. The words of encouragement alone today were incredible, but the actions behind them at times just left us speechless.

What an amazing day, what an amazing group of young people...and what an amazing reminder of how much compassion is still in this world!
Coastal Horizons Center Outdoor Adventure

10/09/2020

We are so very proud of our very own, Ms. Ami. She goes above and beyond every single day to help the kids and families we serve! She is dedicated and devoted to helping others, and it shows in the work she does every single day! Congratulations Ms. Ami, and thank you for all you do!

Congratulations Ami D'Ambrosio, Youth Violence Intervention Specialist at New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, on being a finalist in the PUBLIC SERVICE category for the 2020 Women To Watch Awards!

10/08/2020

September was a busy month! We did a few garden beautification projects, donated produce grown to Good Shepard, made a few trips to the beach and to the bowling alley, continued with our one on one behavior focused activities (to include smashing our anger away), provided tutoring sessions to help with academics and virtual learning, and the favorite of the month....learning how to play disc golf. Here are a few highlights....

10/06/2020

So proud of this young man and excited about the journey that he is embarking on! We miss you and are cheering you on, keep pushing forward!

"I know it can be tough to imagine how to get from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow. But I’m here to tell you that change is possible if you enter into this journey with your eyes wide open, and with real intention."
- David Hauser, Unstoppable

09/19/2020

We had so much fun at Green Light Escape Room this week! We were able to practice so many skills: teamwork, communication, leadership, active listening and patience. This amazing group of young people did such a great job, that they were able to help us escape with 10 minutes left to spare!

09/14/2020

When smiles are so big, you can see them behind the masks 🤗❤ #laughingsohardithurts #brotherly_love

09/02/2020

Every day is a balancing act, but we are loving every minute of it! Our case managers have been juggling helping our youth with virtual school while still working on their individual goals and finding time to take a break from everything! A few highlight from this past week...

08/21/2020

It has been a busy week trying to figure out all of our kid’s schedules, ensuring they have their lap tops and know how to navigate them, and completing work assignments! Our kids have done an amazing job and have been patient with the process. Here are a few pictures of our first week of the virtual school process!

08/10/2020

Enjoying the last week before school kicks off!

08/06/2020

Focus and concentration, attention to detail, strategy, and forward thinking/planning were all lessons of the day. Fun day of learning. ❤

07/28/2020

We have been so busy enjoying time with our youth that we haven't stopped to share pictures. Here are a few highlights from July with our program youth!

06/04/2020

Staff team building....

What do we feel makes us an amazing team?
1. Respect
2. Communication
3. Team Work
4. Creativity
5. Positivity
6. Supportive
7. Conflict Resolution
8. Dedication

"Together we can achieve great things."

06/03/2020

Carousel Center

06/01/2020

We couldn't be more proud of this young man! We have watched him grow tremendously over the course of the last few years. He is the definition of resiliency. We are all so grateful to have been able to be a part of his journey and continue to stand beside him and support him. Congratulations William, you are such a kind hearted, fun, loveable soul and our entire team are cheering you on. Go make your dreams come true!
❤ Your Elements Family

05/28/2020

Working on effective communication skills and understanding that some things can be hard to describe or talk about but are possible!

05/22/2020

Trying out some fresh carrots from our garden 🥕

05/21/2020

Great job on the bird house, Ashaun! ❤

05/19/2020

When our program youth say they want to be an engineer when they grow up...we start practicing some engineering skills...but of course in a fun way! ❤ #goalsetting #makelearningfun

Activity sheet is included, give it a try!

05/12/2020

Extra special thank you to our program kids and my teammates for such sweet thoughtful surprises for my birthday. Definitely the highlight to my day! I am so grateful to work beside you and work with you all!
❤- Ms.Kristy

05/11/2020

Thanks Coastal Horizons Center Outdoor Adventure for such a fun virtual team building! We have missed seeing you ❤

05/07/2020

Phase One of reopening the program back to normal has begun! We can finally see our kids face to face again! No in home visits and still not able to transport, but we have gym hours for drop off appointments and we are getting creative with meeting our youth where they are! So happy to see our youth in person again! ❤

05/01/2020

Today's lessons: following step by step directions, maintaining focus, practicing patience... and as always... having FUN!

04/30/2020

We had our first staff and youth virtual group meet yesterday for our new weekly activity "What's Up Wednesdays." It was not easy trying to manage 15 kids and 6 staff at one time, but it was so much fun to do. Everyone eager to talk at once was just a reminder that we all miss each other and long for that connection. From the silly stories, to the games, to being able to see our kids siblings and parents, to introducing new staff, to our old kids hopping on to reconnect, to the attempt at singing group happy birthday...it was such a bright light in the midst of quarantine. Most of our youth stayed on for an hour and a half, a few others we had to transition off after 3 hours (and then they text their case manager that it wasn't enough time, haha.) Oh, how we have all missed each other! If any current or former program youth want to join us next Wednesday just reach out to Ms.Kristy or send a message on here and we will get the log in information to you!

04/24/2020

Today's visit is from our very own Mr. Brandon! Sending a reminder to:
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF...
YOU CAN DO IT!

04/24/2020

Sometimes we just need a break and some time to have fun!
Heads Up is a fun game to try if you haven't played it before.
What words would you use to help your game partner guess "stingray"?

04/23/2020

Ms. Kristy is swinging by today to remind you that: YOU MATTER & YOU ARE LOVED!

We are missing our program youth so much!

04/22/2020

We are so excited that Mrs.Allie joined our team! She joined in on the art challenge and created this beautiful and fun painting.... Reminding us all that "life is tough, but so are you."

04/21/2020

We encouraged the youth in the program to submit art that spread joy during these difficult times or that helped them individually get through.

We love this submission from Tamiya about her journey. Keep smiling, stand strong and continue to spread love and light! ❤

Her art reminds us to always ("Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine" -Mario Fernandez).

04/20/2020

Our very own Ms. Ami ...sharing 9 Ways to Stay Positive During Quarantine

1. Practice Mindful Spending
2. Write a Letter to a Loved One
3. Lay Outside and Soak up the Sun
4. Have a Family Meal
5. Read a Book
6. Eat a Fruit and Vegetable Each Day
7. Go for a Walk
8. Call Someone You've Been Meaning To
9. Think of Someone Who Inspires You