South Phoenix Youth Center

Mission: The 100 Black Men of Phoenix, Inc. entered into a five-year agreement with the City of Phoenix to become Operator of the South Mountain Youth Center, commencing January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2015.

The agreement stipulates that the Operator will support the mission of the Parks and Recreation Department, “building healthy communities through parks, programs and partnerships.” The 100 Black Men of Phoenix, Inc. as Operator has agreed it will seek to increase educational opportunities for youth; develop programs to empower youth to succeed academically, culturally, and socially; and provide role models for youth and strengthen the moral fiber of the life in our communities.

In 2009 the City of Phoenix reduced services at the South Phoenix Youth Center from year-round to eight summer weeks. Budgetary constraints caused this action by the city. The 100 Black Men, with the support of the community, families and partner organizations realized the importance of maintaining year round programming for our number of high-risk youth in one of our most improvised and gang active communities.

The 100 Black Men of Phoenix was selected for this partnership with the city, due to its’ history in the community working with youth within the school districts. The organization has been a partner with the Roosevelt School District, Phoenix Union High School District, and several Charter Schools, primarily in the South Phoenix community for the past 17 years.

Youth Center Programs

The center will be open to the public a minimum of four days per week for not less than 21 hours per week to the general public. The days and time are Monday through Thursday from 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 12:30 noon.

Open recreation (Wednesdays Only) will be: Volley Ball,Chess Tournaments, Foosball, Pool, Wii, Golf and Basketball.

Programming will be provided by the 100 Black Men of Phoenix, Inc. and partner organizations.

100 Black Men Programs

• 100 Saturday Academy - The academy provides academic tutoring, interpersonal skills and leadership development to students. The goal is to develop a well rounded group of young people who understand the beneficial importance of positive thinking, responsible personal conduct, respect for others, educational achievement, and cultural enrichment.
• Dollars and $ense - Financial literacy program to promote generational economic self-sufficiency, family wealth building and entrepreneurship.
• African-American History Challenge Bowl - An educational program designed to enhance the study of history. It is also intended to increase the interest of young people in knowing the legacy left them and in living lives worthy of the legacy.

Partner Programs

• South West Behavioral Health - Services include Life Skills, Development-Substance Abuse Prevention, Peer Leadership and Family Support, and Education.
• Revolution Prep - Will provide on-line tutoring for Math and English                                                                  
• Kik-Start - Meals provided for up to 100 students. Nutritional education also provided (summer time only)
• Phoenix Conservatory of Music - will provide instruction on how to produce music, write music, and play music instruments.
• First Tee of Phoenix - provides young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to life-enhancing values such as confidence, perseverance, and judgement through golf.

Description/Numbers of Persons Served

The center serves the youth and community of South Phoenix. Programming at the center shall target 150-200 youth ages 12-18. Many of these youth live with single mothers and/or grandparents. They come from areas with high rates of crime, drugs and gangs. The community also has high dropout and teen pregnancy rates.

Geographic Area Served

The South Mountain Village is an urban community. The community is primarily Hispanic and African American. It is also characterized by low-income and foreign-language speaking residents. Most of our youth reside in precinct #1161. There are 37 schools located in the South Mountain community. This includes (1) Roosevelt School District Schools, (2) Phoenix Union High School District Schools and (3) Charter Schools.

 

Contact Name: Sarah Workman – Center Manager
EmailAddress: sarah@southphoenixyouthcenter.org                                                                                               Phone: (602) 256-3230

Or

Contact Name: Jon Taylor – President (100 Black Men of Phoenix)
Email Address: jon@100blackmenofphoenix.com
Phone: (602) 256-3231