Background
The SIMBA (Safe in My Brothers’ Arms) and SIMSA (Safe in My Sisters’ Arms) mentoring program and camps are experiences for African American youth, ages 8-17, who are interested in being pushed to their full potential. The program began in 1993, when a group of African American community leaders recognized the need for black youths to be mentored so they can become healthy, non-violent adults. The female camping experience, SIMSA, began in 2007.
During the camping experience, youth are introduced to an Africentric orientation to life, based on the centrality of the community, spirituality, harmony with nature, reverence for ancestors, personal centeredness, and survival. The program is designed to have youth interact with adult mentors in a non-threatening environment to increase the youth’s relationship skills and help them cope with society’s pressures to engage in appropriate behaviors.
The camps are held in rural locations and provide an opportunity for boys and girls to experience a different environment. Through conversations with the youth and their parents, many of these individuals do not venture outside of their present contexts. SIMBA/SIMSA allows the youth to step outside their normal mode of thinking and comfort zones. There are team building activities that encourage them to connect with other youth and young adults to overcome fears. During the camp, the young men and women begin to build positive relationships and alliances in order to begin working for change in their own neighborhoods through the development of support groups and positive relationships.
Emergency legislation is required so that the contract can be in place for the beginning of summer camp season 2015.
Fiscal Impact Funding for this ordinance is made available from the city's Public Safety Initiatives Fund 016.
Title
To authorize and direct City Council to enter into contract with Rescue, Release, and Restore, Inc. for the SIMBA and SIMSA mentoring program to pr...
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