Who We Serve
UNITEEE dedicates its resources to serving three critical groups:
1. Youth at Risk:
- Definition: This group encompasses young individuals who are facing significant challenges in their lives. These challenges create a heightened risk of them becoming involved in violence or the criminal justice system.
- Characteristics: These youth may be dealing with factors such as:
- Exposure to violence (either as a witness or victim).
- Lack of positive role models.
- Socioeconomic disadvantages.
- Difficulties in school.
- Mental health struggles.
- UNITEEE's Goal: To intervene early and provide consistent support to redirect these youth away from negative paths and toward positive outcomes.
2. Justice-System Involved Youth:
- Definition: This group consists of young people who have already had contact with the juvenile justice system. This contact could range from arrests and court involvement to detention or probation.
- Characteristics: These youth often require specialized support due to the unique challenges associated with their involvement in the justice system, such as:
- Stigma and discrimination.
- Difficulty reintegrating into school and the community.
- Need for guidance in navigating the justice system.
- Need for support to avoid recidivism.
- UNITEEE's Goal: To provide programs that address the specific needs of these youth, focusing on successful reintegration and preventing future involvement in the justice system.
3. Affected Communities:
- Definition: This group encompasses the broader communities that are impacted by cycles of violence and incarceration, recognizing that these issues are not isolated to individuals but have far-reaching effects on entire neighborhoods.
- Characteristics: These communities may experience:
- High rates of crime and violence.
- Lack of resources and opportunities.
- A sense of fear and instability.
- The negative effects of mass incarceration.
- UNITEEE's Goal: To implement a community-wide approach that fosters lasting change, creating safer and more equitable environments for everyone. This involves working with the community to create solutions from within.
