Breakdown of Programs

One Day At a Time’s approach combines community, school and family resources to combat risks associated with low self-esteem, poor academic performance, family problems, domestic violence, abuse, depression, substance abuse, gang association and crime. Our school linked program incorporates four components: youth, school, family, and community. ODAT focuses on empowering students to perform better in school and lead positive lives.

Most importantly, the key to ODAT’s success is its unwavering commitment to building positive relationships and trust. Every aspect of the program focuses on this as a core value. So whether there is a straight-A student who has trouble with confidence, a student that is having difficulty with peer pressure, to a student making poor choices and getting into trouble or a combination of these; our goal is to build trusting relationships and expose youth to positive mentors, adults, and experiences that will better equip them to make positive choices while also giving them a place to feel safe and vulnerable. This ultimately leads to better academic performance.

Elementary School Level

  • Direct mentoring and support for youth at school sites

  • Conflict mediation

  • Artistic outlets in form of painting, drawing, coloring, poetry and play that support constructive forms of self-expression, build self-confidence and helps child gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their personal work

  • Activities with Youth Mentor that focus on building a trusting relationship, personal accountability, self-discipline, positive attitudes towards individuals and new experiences, decision-making skills, personal growth, anger management and conflict resolution using peaceful solutions. The Youth Mentor’s goal is to promote positive social interactions, help the child understand positive versus negative choices and empower the child to make positive choices at school

  • Regular communication between student’s teacher, school counselor, school administration and parent(s)/guardian(s) in order to better support the child’s success.

  • Improving and promoting a positive school climate

  • Documenting and tracking data about students, incidents and child successes

Elementary Youth Group

Middle and High School Level

  • Direct mentoring and support for youth at school sites

  • Classroom presentations for students, staff and school administration

  • Conflict mediation

  • Tracking of grades, attendance and disciplinary records

  • Weekly, after school group meetings focused on: stereotyping, self-esteem, relationship building, communication, life skills, accountability, family, substance abuse, health issues, anger management, cultural awareness, education, college, careers, positive leadership, self-discipline, positive versus negative choices and empowerment within oneself.

  • Collaboration with other community based organizations to foster leadership skills

  • Artistic outlets in form of painting, drawing, spoken word, poetry and dance that support constructive forms of self-expression, build self-confidence and help youth gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work.

  • Educational and recreational field trips to help youth bond with each other, develop leadership skills and demonstrate that memorable and enjoyable experiences are possible in a positive manner without the involvement of external substances and other dangerous activities.

  • Community service opportunities through ODAT to encourage our youth to give back to their communities. ODAT also offers community service opportunities to the public. You must call or visit our office to inquire about this possibility.

  • Meetings with parent(s)/guardian(s) and/or school administration to better support the youth's success.

  • Home visits as needed

  • Improving and promoting a positive school climate

  • Referrals to other programs or services

  • Youth employment referrals