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The NACA Pathways
Youth Program is a substance abuse prevention program tailored for at-risk Native American youth in the Flagstaff community. It provides information and education on developing and maintaining healthy lifestyles to enrolled youth and their families. Designed to be culturally competent and age-appropriate, Pathways offers after-school and weekend activities that promote self-esteem, educational enrichment, physical fitness, traditional practices and cultural values to children in grades 3 through 8.
The program is free of charge to eligible youth and their families, and transportation to and from Pathways activities is provided by NACA.
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The goals of the Pathways program are to: provide a culturally appropriate substance abuse resistance program to off-reservation Native American youth; educate children that there are many paths in life to take and that there are consequences for every choice and decision that can affect their current and future lives; protect and enhance children’s sense of self-esteem and empowerment in order to create their own healthy, balanced life that addresses the needs of the body, the mind and the spirit; and improve the dynamics and functioning of Pathways families through fostering parenting and self-help techniques, effective communication and advocacy skills.
What Pathways offers to the youth:
A mix of fun and educational activities that include hiking and camping trips, physical fitness and exploring fine arts through attending museums, plays, musicals and dance performances.
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| Academic enrichment is offered to the children, including tutoring, learning to use computers and educational software. The youth attend and participate in local festivities and parades. A popular component of the program is participation on a swimming team, learning about the value of competition and athletic skill while having fun in the water.
Through group and individual activities, the youth learn and enhance self-esteem, positive decision-making, conflict resolution and communication skills. As they grow in the program, they gain the confidence and healthy outlook needed to resist negative peer pressure regarding the abuse of alcohol and other substances.
Students learn about making friends and working together. They also learn respect for themselves, for others and for the environment. Taking responsibility for one's actions and understanding the consequences of behavior, both positive and negative, are emphasized.
An important facet of the Pathways program is teaching the children about their Native American culture and the importance of preserving their heritage and customs. The creation of traditional arts and crafts, participating in storytelling, exploring other traditional activities and customs, and receiving Native language instruction are essential aspects of the overall curriculum. |
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What Pathways offers to the families:
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| Parent involvement is vital to the success of the program. Pathways staff assist each child’s family in assessing their strengths and challenges. The families identify goals to be achieved and formulate strategies that will help them succeed in reaching their goals. NACA staff provide support throughout the family’s involvement in Pathways and make referrals to other programs or agencies as needed.
Family nights are held on a quarterly basis to inform parents of their children’s progress in the program, and to provide information and education sessions designed to improve family functioning. Topics include managing finances and keeping a balanced budget, substance abuse prevention/intervention, health promotion, positive parenting techniques, accessing community resources and cultural issues.
Ongoing communication between the staff, children, families and school personnel is maintained. Parent and child feedback is encouraged and used to enhance program operations. |
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Interested Applicants must be:
Native American children who reside in the Flagstaff area and are in first through eighth grades, who are considered at-risk for substance abuse behaviors and who can benefit from a supportive and nurturing program. The Pathways program operates year-round, and enrollment occurs on an ongoing basis. When the program is full, referrals/applicants are placed on a waiting list.
For more information, contact Carlos Morales (Pathways Program Coordinator) at
cmorales@nacainc.org
or (928) 526-2968.
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