Empowering the Next Generation
At Reclaiming Our Greatness (ROG), we believe every young person has the potential to achieve greatness. The Pathways to Community Resilience (PCRP) is designed to guide youth and young adults toward success in agency, academics, workforce readiness, and physical well-being. By fostering meaningful connections and providing tailored support, we help young people build a future filled with opportunity and promise.
About This Program
Fostering Growth and Resilience
Youth outcomes improve when we prioritize interventions that create meaningful connections and purpose in their lives. Through PCRP, we focus on helping young people reclaim their agency, build confidence, and set realistic yet ambitious goals for their future.
Trauma-Informed Care
Our staff is deeply committed to understanding the unique challenges facing at-risk youth. Regular trauma-informed training ensures that we provide thoughtful care while avoiding exacerbation of existing traumas. Staff, partners, and collaborators on this project will address issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse while developing personalized plans to meet each youth’s needs.
Academic Support
PCRP offers academic support tailored to each student’s academic progress. ROG provides culturally responsive support, meeting students where they are and helping them build confidence and competence in specific subjects.
Workforce Readiness
Preparing Youth for High-Demand Careers
Our workforce readiness component equips young people with the skills needed to succeed in any economy. Through partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and youth advocacy groups, students receive employment training, career counseling, and exposure to high-paying fields such as data analytics and computer science.
- Students will cultivate a healthy mindset as they move into career exploration and career mapping.
- Older students access advanced job skills coaching and access to job placement assistance.
By focusing on these skills, we aim to close the gap between the demand for BIPOC professionals in living wage professions across the county and state.
Recreation and Sports
More Than Just a Game
PCRP provides youth with access to multiple sport modalities including basketball, soccer, martial arts, and weight training in gyms located in Seattle and Kent, WA. This program emphasizes the balance between fun, fitness, and psychological well-being. Students not only hone their athletic abilities but also gain valuable life skills and preparation for life, academics, and physical well-being.
A Holistic Approach to Youth Empowerment
From trauma-informed care to academic tutoring, workforce preparation, and recreational activities, the Pathways to Community Resilience Program is a comprehensive support system designed to help young people reclaim their greatness. Together, we’re creating opportunities for young people to build a brighter future.
We are grateful to King County Parks, The Norcliffe Foundation, Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, and The Huge and Jane Ferguson Foundation for their initial contributions.
James Norris, PhD, LMHC, is a seasoned educator, counselor, and community leader. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of the Cumberlands, where he teaches counseling and clinical experience courses. Dr. Norris is the founder of Ithemba Counseling and has led programs such as the Youth Development Program at Everett Community College, focusing on identity development and wellness for youth. He also facilitated trauma and anti-bias workshops through the City of Seattle’s DEEL program, working with early childhood educators to promote awareness of trauma’s effects on marginalized groups. Dr. Norris’ research, including the integration of Hip Hop in counseling practices, and his leadership in community initiatives like “Rhythms of Healing,” further demonstrate his capacity to engage and uplift youth in transformative ways.
Elaine Adams, Certified Professional Mental Health Coach, is a trauma coach and wellness instructor with extensive experience supporting youth and families affected by trauma. Currently serving as Recovery Chaplain and Trauma Coach at Seattle UGM Hope Place, Elaine has also served as Program Director at Escape to Peace, working with survivors of human trafficking, where she developed workshops and fostered community healing. With a background in therapeutic foster care and crisis intervention, Elaine has experience in case management, conflict resolution, and life skills coaching. She has worked with incarcerated individuals to support their successful re-entry, demonstrating her commitment to empowering people to overcome barriers and achieve self-sufficiency.