VISION STATEMENT Helping today's youth at-risk develop into visionary leaders of future generation through the collaboration and support of today's visionaries. "Developing Assets & Independent Life Skills in Community-Based Settings"

BUILDING ASSETS IN YOUTH

VISIONPOINT supports the community's goal of building developmental assets in youth.  These assets have proven critical to insuring  youth develop into self-sufficient, healthy community-minded adults.

VISIONPOINT builds assets by providing youth with community-based experiences around five primary initiatives:

• CAREER EXPLORATION & JOB SKILLS TRAINING

As the program's primary focus, students participate in weekly educational tours of VISION-SITES.  Students learn about a variety of careers, the education and training of staff, and about what it takes to succeed on the job.  VISION-SITES also may host job skills training experience for qualifying students.

• ADULT EDUCATION/TRAINING PREPARATION

  Students visit area colleges and universities, technical, and other specialized training programs.  Students learn about and may secure financial aid.

   

• COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND SERVICE
  
  Youth build character and good citizenship as they discover how their communities are governed and managed, and learn the value to giving back. Youth tour agencies, meeting staff and elected public servants.
  
  

• HEALTHY RECREATION & FITNESS
  
  Alongside positive adult role models, youth have opportunities to enjoy the area's rich natural resources and discover the rewards of healthy fitness and other productive, rewarding activities.
  
  

• CULTURAL & FINE ARTS
  
  Youth learn about and participate in various visual & performing arts opportunities.  They may visit museums, attend live performances and participate in arts projects, lessons, contests, and regional events.

LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM

Preparing Youth for Productive Futures

Youth may be referred to this 6 month group-based program from Probation, Parole, In-Home, Mentoring, Case Management, Special Education, Foster Care or other community services.

• Career Exploration

• Job Skills Training

• Independent Living Skills Seminars

• Critical Job Skills and Resume Writing

• Banking and Money Management

• Securing and Maintaining Housing

• Adult Education and Vocational Training

• Health, Nutrition, and Basic Cooking Skills

• Important Peer/Professional Social Skills

• Community Education and Service

• Public Awareness

• Financial Aid Application Assistance 

• Adult Education/Vocational Training

• Recreation and Fitness Activities

• Cultural and Fine Arts Activities

Fees for the VISIONPOINT Program are negotiated on a case by case basis and include transportation

VISION-SITES

A Network of Community Support

• Educational Tours and Workshops

Businesses, government agencies, recreation facilities, arts centers and educational organization support the VISIONPOINT Program.  They host educational tours, workshops, and other activities in order for students to discover the real-life potentials for their futures

• Every Business and Industry Represented

VISIONPOINT is supported by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and its 2000-plus members.  Every kind of business and industry is represented, so students can discover the responsibilities and rewards of any career imaginable.

• Youth Connecting with Positive Adults

The Vision-Site Network provides students with opportunities to connect with positive adult role models in real-life situations.  Students visit 8 to 12 different Vision-Sites during the course of the program and may return to one or more sites for job shadowing.

• Community Connecting with Youth

If you know of businesses or organizations that may be interested in becoming a Vision-Site, VISIONPOINT would be pleased to contact them to share the rewarding stories told by those who have become a Vision-Site.  Adults sharing their personal enthusiasm have realized the rewards of reaching out and igniting sparks of enthusiasm and hope in today's youth.

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Supporting the goals of our community & other youth-serving agencies VISIONPOINT collaborates to provide youth with life enriching experiences aimed at building positive assets for their futures.

YOUTH SERVED - "STUDENTS'

Students, ages 12 to 21, may be referred from public or private agencies and should be receiving additional supportive services, such as mentoring, in-home services, intensive case management, court or special education

BUILDING ASSETS IN  YOUTH

VISIONPOINT'S Four Primary Initiatives help build assets by providing students with a range of positive experiences, leading to lives that are personally rewarding and self-sufficient: