S 4 S Depts

S4S programs and services were developed to assist our participants with their transition into adulthood and to help them deal with the social issues affecting them. S4S services are delivered through specially tailored workshops designed around six areas of service:

1. Cultural awareness/social growth
2. Life skills/economic development
3. Community service
4. Education development
5. Health awareness & education
6. Recreational & creative arts

We have collaborated with 100s of social service providers, local churches, community and business leaders to implement community service, education and awareness projects, as well as recreational field trips for at risk and socially maladjusted youth.

S4S’s teen rap sessions and social awareness programs attract and maintain steady membership. Our speaking engagements at school assemblies or youth detention centers stimulate the interests of potential participants. We deliver services through three organizational components: SfdH, SitC and SitS.

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Program Features

Big Systa Alumnae Association: Upon graduating high school (or receiving a GED), S4S participants may become Big Systas. Allowing friendships formed in the SfdH program to continue. The program also offers the opportunity for S4S alumnae to act as mentors to current S4S participants, and to pass off knowledge acquired during their tenure in the S4S programs and from their life experiences.

Girl Grant©: Incentive program created by Big Systa Alumnae to financially reward participants who pursue outside interests. Applicants must submit an essay stating how and why the grant will be applied.

Recreational Activities: Participants attend and participate in recreational activities such as field trips, theatre, photography and dramatic arts to encourage positive peer relations, good sportsmanship and creative exploration. These recreational activities are culturally and artistically enriching. Field trips are also open to all S4S participants and their family members.

In 2005, SfdH staff and participants wrote and arranged a hip-hop musical recording that was produced by an accomplished producer and is used as a promotional and motivational tool for adolescent youth. Outings to the Black Wax Museum, malls, movies and sleepover help to solidify our bond and allows for additional time to mentor our participants.

Saving Our Sisters (SOS) Achievement Award: This is a financial reward for participating seniors who intend to pursue post-secondary education or entrepreneurial endeavors after graduating high school.

SYSTAS from da HOOD – SfdH

Systas from da Hood is a pioneering initiative developed as a creative solution to address the complex struggles of disadvantaged females in the 11-14 years age-group living in inner cities. Our after school programs are holistically structured to provide middle school students with the necessary coping skills to prepare them to transition to a high school setting.

Reflective and creative workshops, program materials, recreational activities and community services are composed to empower and develop positive social behaviors and encourage academic achievements. Certified teachers, within the state of New Jersey, develop all programs, lesson plans and core-curriculum in which our Six Areas of Service (6AOS) is based. A project manager, instructors and monitors oversee the coordination and facilitation of the program. All of our instructors are culturally competent and responsive to the needs of our clients.

SYSTAS in the COMMUNITY - SitC

Through SitC participants and volunteers contribute to monthly community service projects that provide relief and comfort to the needy. Staff and participants work together on clothing, toy and food drives, neighborhood enhancement projects, walk-a-thons soup kitchens and senior citizen rap sessions. These events are designed to foster civic responsibility, social and public speaking skills and to increase concern and/or awareness about those in need of assistance.

One of our most successful community service project consisted of a neighborhood enhancement project resulting in the beautification of Memorial Park in the City of East Orange. This was a collaborative effort between S4S, the City of East Orange, local artists and tenant associations, culminating in a Family Day Fair in the park attended by over 500 families with free food, amusement rides, vendors, and community resource information.

SitC Program Highlights

Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution Program - Co-sponsored by AmeriChoice
Memorial Park Enhancement Project – sponsored by EO CDBG
Bingo with Senior Citizens - Parkway Manor Nursing Home
Breast Cancer Walk - American Cancer Society
Visiting Border Babies - Project Babies
East Orange Clean & Green Education Environmental Center - Spring & Fall Clean up
St. John's Baptist Church - Donate time with the soup kitchen @Thanksgiving
St. Paul's Church - Crop Walk
Black New Jersey - Easter Egg Hunt
East Orange Public Library - Server & Host for Jazz Auction
New Jersey Food Bank - Clothing drive and distribution

SYSTAS In The SYSTEM - SitS

This is the outreach vehicle of the organization and is primarily responsible for increasing the organization’s visibility within the community. SitS targets schools, youth and faith-based organizations to conduct The Survival Course and “Me First” Curriculum. These workshops have been carefully planned around life skills, job training, economic development, independent living skills, and college preparation. The Survival Course is open to both males and females.

The Survival Course is a custom-tailored series of life skills building and social awareness workshops for young adults in the 14-21 years age-group living in economically and educationally disadvantaged areas. It plays a vital role in our commitment to instill a driving ambition within urban youth to take control of their destinies.

The Survival Course program employs prevention and intervention methods that deter delinquent behavior, reduce early withdrawals and increase health awareness. It is expected that through instruction, review and application of the goals and objectives of the course curriculum, students will develop respect and pride of self and learn how to diplomatically resolve issues of conflict. Furthermore, participants will learn how to identify and detach themselves from illegal activities.

Services focus on developing and strengthening the participants’ life skills, globalizing their world-view and preparing them for becoming responsible independent adults. The Survival Course is open to males and females.

“Me First” Curriculum is a series of gender-specific workshops designed to build life skills and self-esteem, increase self-awareness and pass on the necessary coping skills to prepare females in the 11-14 years age-group for transition into high school.

These workshops are instrumental in narrowing the communication gap between youth and adults and are custom tailored to meet the needs of the consumer, providing intervention and prevention strategies to succeed in today’s society.