designed to help young men on probation get out of the criminal justice system by strengthening their attachment to education, work and community.
Funded through the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City under the NYC Department of Probation, Arches offers a 6-month intensive program of self-examination and renewal, where young men complete a series of workbooks, in a group setting, guided by adult mentors who, themselves, have overcome past imprisonment to rebuild their lives.
This powerful combination of paced self-examination and group participation, with mentoring from older men who really understand the problems the program participants grapple with, significantly decreases the prospects that program participants will be involved in future crimes.
Program Details:
During the 6-month program, Arches participants gain a better understanding of personal responsibility and enhance their social skills, which, in turn, improves peer relationships, self-esteem, and problem-solving skills. Arches program participants are also connected to educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs, as necessary. The mentors are paid for the hours they work, and participants receive stipends for each group session that they complete.
Program Qualifications:
To learn more about becoming a mentor or a participant in the Arches program, please contact Ryziel Wylye, Senior Program Coordinator, at 718-585-8585 ext. 248 or RyzielWylye@HealthPeople.org
“The mentors are just like me. That’s why it works. Their story is my story. I learned from them where to start taking responsibility for my mistakes. They’ve helped me grow a lot.”
“In my past life, before Health People, maybe I was showing people how to do the wrong things. But now as a mentor in Arches, I’m guiding these young men who got off track to have a successful transition to the future. It is successful and very satisfying.”
“I enjoy coming to Health People because the Arches mentors give you positive feedback, and help you with resume building and job employment. They give you a comfortable place to express your feelings in a good way and help you become a better person.”