Return to 4-H Youth Development page MSUcares Home Page	Children, Youth and Families At-Risk Project (CYFAR) Bridging the Gap in New Communities in Mississippi Bridging the Gap in New Communities in Mississippi is an exciting program for Mississippi youth and families administered by Mississippi State University Extension Service with a focus in one community in Lauderdale County and another in Newton County.  These programs are for children, youth and families who are considered at-risk.  Goals are to equip individuals with knowledge and skills necessary to meet basic needs and to lead positive, productive and contributing lives through the incorporation of computers and connectivity.  Participants will achieve these goals through increasing self-esteem; learning how to set goals for themselves; developing decision making skills; learning ways to manage conflict; becoming familiar with technology, increasing their communication skills and becoming aware of job requirements and opportunities.  To accomplish these goals and objectives, Extension personnel with family and youth responsibilities have been trained to identify needs and provide special programs for Mississippi’s children, youth and families at-risk. This program is funded by USDA New Communities Project Grant. Project Directors                                                        Dr. Susan Holder, State Program Leader,                        4-H Youth Development                                                                     susanh@ext.msstate.edu                                                    Mississippi State University Extension Service               Box 9601, Mississippi State, MS 39762                           Phone: 662.325.3352                                                       Fax: 662.325.8407                                                                                                      Dr. Rae Wilkinson, State 4-H Youth Dev. Specialist           raew@ext.msstate.edu                                                       Mississippi State University Extension Service                Box 9641, Mississippi State, MS 39762                                                                              Phone: 662.325.1696                                                         Fax: 662.325.5207                                                                                     Project Evaluator Dr. Michael Newman, Planning & Evaluation Specialist mnewman@ext.msstate.edu Mississippi State University Extension Service        Box 9745, Mississippi State, MS 39762                     Phone: 662.325.3462 Fax: 662.325.5858                                                  Project SOAR: Skills, Opportunities, Attitudes, and Responsibilities The program is operating in Lauderdale County and focuses on decision making skills, building self-esteem, career development, health and wellness and computer literacy for children ages kindergarten through eighth grades.  This program is located at Eastern Gardens and Western Gardens of the Meridian Housing Authority. For more information contact: Beth Randall Extension 4-H Youth Agent Lauderdale County bethr@ext.msstate.edu 601/527-8817   Project G.A.P. (Gaining Awareness of Possibilities) According to the 2000 Census, there are 8,221 households in Newton County. Twenty percent of the households are below poverty level and considered children youth and families at risk.  Out of the total people living in poverty, 26.30% are under the age of 18. Site 1:  Newton Municipal School District RISE-Respect and Integrity through Skills and Education Students at risk are in essence youth who because of various risk factors are more likely to drop out of school or become involved in the juvenile justice system.  Services offered through the GAP program will include a structured opportunity for interaction with other youth and the community will be the main focus.  Youth will also grow in the understanding of character development issues, personal leadership styles and community responsibility.  The mission of the program is to significantly increase the number of students who are prepared to enter the workforce or post-secondary education. Site 2: Understanding Diversity and Cultural Enrichment The GAP program will teach youth an understanding of diverse backgrounds and cultures in an effort to promote unity and togetherness through acceptance of differences as ok.  The program is designed to provoke thought and encourage peer interaction and team building skills. For more information contact: Katrina McCalphia Extension 4-H Youth Agent Newton County katrinam@ext.msstate.edu 601/635-2267 Additional Links CYFERnet.org National 4-H headquaraters.gov
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