The City of Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department offers a variety of high-quality programming aimed at providing positive opportunities for at-risk youth and adaptive learners, nurturing personal growth and enrichment for all participants while also spreading awareness to local communities. Programs including Project BRIDGE, NCYOP (Neighborhood College Youth Opportunity Program), RAP (Riverside Arts Program), and Friendly Stars. These programs expose youth and adaptive learners to social environments, classes, and adult readiness opportunities providing an equal opportunity for all participants regardless of heritage, ethnicity, background, or economic status. Underserved communities as well as at-risk youth are provided education and a positive pathway forward that increases the likely hood of financial success, creative success, personal enrichment or betterment in their respective quality of life.
Many teens in our underserved communities face unique challenges that inhibit their ability to obtain proper resources and education needed in order to increase their chances of success. Programs such as Project BRIDGE focus on facilitating and promoting teen wellness, supporting teens with a safe space and providing resources for all teens and young adults aged 12 – 22. Through the implementation of specified classes and resources, these programs nurture life skills that promote healthy choice making decisions, and aim to create a sense of personal value for individuals. Project Bridge has partnered with Neighborhood College offering assistance to the program as the “at-risk” youth in need of resources have benefitted utilizing their resources. Classes such as Anger Management, Substance Abuse Awareness, Victim Awareness, and Gang Awareness in addition to Job Readiness have prepared youth for a more positive and productive perspective. Youth are encouraged to properly manage emotions by channeling them in a positive outlet which includes exercising, art, music, and more.
Through programs such as RAP (Riverside Arts Program), participants explore their creative side and are exposed to the world of music, dance and art, applying discipline and improving self-esteem. This program not only fosters youth to excel in these areas but gives participants the tools necessary to continue their refined skills into other areas including school, auditions, teaching and more. RAP has been made accessible to all communities, thanks in part by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) which provides scholarships, awarding low-cost programming for qualifying under-resourced vulnerable youth. Since it’s inception, RAP has reached thousands of youth across the City of Riverside. |