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The Santa Ana Wnrkforec lm~estment Bosard/Youth Council The Ycruth Scrvicc Provider Network erFtFP 2005/20h6 Orange County' Children's Therapeuriic Arts Center Experience 6ricfty outline all youth programs Chat your agency has operated during the last 2 years. Six d::ys per week we offer a wide variety of classes (arts, literac~_v, technology, parenting, and family counseling). All of our programs aim at accelerating student learrning, empowering families of limited resources, helping youth build sell=esteem and develop leadership skills in our community. Every semesrer we offer approximately 50 classes during our Afier-schcnol program six days per week. During the pa_~t four and a half years of operation, a lot of time has been spent in acquiring some communication and technology resources. We established a new multimedia arts lab with high speed Internet access for our you*.h, and now have Internet access for the, staff, an email address for the center, and a ^ew Website! This technology has made the organization tiunction more effectively and has served to demonstrate the steady growth and sustainabilit}~ of the Centi;r. In addition, OCCTAC has forged strong, long-term relationships and contracts with commumity partners such as: Santa Ana Unified School District (for music therapy); the Santa Ana Colle_;e (for pazenting classes), the County of Orange, Social Services department for family coumseling and parenting classes; and Chapn?an University, the Santa Ana College and Cal State Fulleaton for homework support. y~ hi~b have been most succevsfhl? All of our programs are successful! O The f._dlowing is a remarkable case study of an at-risk youth that has been involved in our after-school programs for close to 5 years at the OCCTAC. These activities wave given her a great sense of accomplishment, enhanced her self-esteem and confidence, boos=ted her academic development. and most mportantly, kept her away from negative activity or influences, such as teen pregnancy. drugs, etc. ki. Came to our Center approximately 5 years ago when GC'CTAC opened its doors to the community. M. was identified as an at-risk youth because of the nigh risk factors that were observed in her family (domestic violence and drug abuse). M_ enrolled in se~.veral classes (choir, dance, art, piano and flute} during the first year at our Center, and we also provided her with tutors during the week for homework and literacy. She excelled in al] classes, and by the e_ud of the fast year at OCCTAC she had b._en the most accomplished student at our Center. At our .:arv 1st Holiday Concert she performed Flute and Piano Solos for the families at the Center. We were alt very proud of her accomplishments in such ~ short period of time. Most importantly, her mother commented on how her academic grades had improved so drastically, as well as her self-confidence. During ~ ~~°ars two and three at our Center M. learnr.:d to play other new instruments (guitar, violin and harp S. ::~ she continued to ]ean~ her previous ones piano, and flute). This past summer M. graduated with hmnors and was the received a Valeuctorian Medal, including honors in math, science and music!!! Furthermore, she auditioned to enter ,nio the Orange County High School of the Arts, and was T~cently accepted. M. is one of OCCTAC stars and we are very proud to have been part of her'-tire. M. and her family continue to come to the Center to receive music instruction, family eounsziiurg &. parenting classes. y',hat hind of experience du cuu have in incorporating paren~_s into your prugranu'? (?ur agency has been very successful in providing community outreach and ,rarent involvement. We have estab~shed a community network that helps foster our missi on_ -and provide opportunities to serve mangy families. Parent involvement_ participation and education s a critical aspect of our mission. The Center has five }'ears of experience in working with the p~re~nis and their children. We have an active parenting committee, and a parent representative on the &r>ard of Directors! 1v`ha- is your success based nn'? Academic and artistic aecompriishments of the students; leadership skills -of students and parents; growth of our organization; and. the quality and level of services that we c~~ provide our community.