Gang Alternative, Inc.'s 2022 Annual Report

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO “

The last two years have been unprecedented. No one could have predicted that the world would have been turned upside down. The nonprofit community was amongst those sectors that were hardest hit and life as we know it changed in so many ways creating an uncomfortable sense of uncertainty for the traditional ways of work.

As servant leaders, Gang Alternative, Inc. (GA) has a moral obligation to continue to serve children, youth, and families the way they need to be served. Our responsibility continues to be to serve the underserved, and we do this by any means necessary. As a faith-based organization, we are guided by the Word, and scripture tells us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” Philippians 4:6-7. Despite the post-pandemic socio-economic shift, GA continues to grow and thrive. Our programming expanded in 2022, with the addition of seven new programs in the Tri-County area, including a mentoring initiative for boys on ending violence against women and girls. GA increased its service footprint from 105 zip codes in 2021 to 121 in 2022. We launched the Anti-violence Community Coalition as a part of our Community Violence Intervention efforts focused on reducing youth gun violence in South Florida. Free occupational skills training was provided to 301 individuals and 93 parents/caregivers, educators, and social workers benefited from evidence-based Youth Mental Health First Aid training. We distributed 1,120 turkeys for Thanksgiving as a part of our 11th Annual Compassion Project and provided workforce development opportunities to 141 justice-involved men and women.

GA saw a 48% increase in middle, elementary, and high school students participating in our weekly faith-based programs. Our social media following increased by 15% and 1,390 elementary, middle, and high schoolers participated in youth substance abuse prevention sessions. Additionally, being true to our prevention approach to programming, we increased protective factors and decreased risk factors for 3,989 South Florida youth. We opened a corporate office in Belle Glade and a new community center in North Miami Beach. GA received CARF accreditation for another 3 years in case management/services coordination, prevention, and outpatient treatment. It goes without saying that GA’s blessings continue to overflow. To God be the glory for all the great things He continues to do. With gratitude and humility, on behalf of the Board of Directors and amazing staff of Gang Alternative, Inc., I’m honored to present our 2022 Annual Report.

Michael J. Nozile President & CEO

AGENCY SUMMARY

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

To build character that lasts in children and families through positive alternatives to crime, violence, dependency and delinquency by offering a holistic approach to their academic, physical, social, economic and spiritual development.

OUR VALUES

A global community-based organization connecting youth and adults to holistic services and tools to develop their full potential and good character to become selfsufficient community stewards. Putting

Treating

CLIENTS SERVED BY PILLARS OF SERVICE

COMMUNITY UPLIFTMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS

3 Community Coalitions

11 years of coalition building Urban Partnership Drug Free Community Coalition Urban Partnership for Success Collaborative-Miami

46 adults and youths actively participated in the drug free community coalition

16 community-based organizations participated in the anti-violence community coalition

26

3 years of promoting collaboration of drug free community coalitions in Miami-Dade County direct service providers participated in UPLIFT Service Partnership Network

55 public school partnerships in the Tri-County area

POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

16 Programs

2 new programs added in 2022 students participated

48% Increase

470 middle school students participated in evidencebased in-school violence prevention sessions

2762

elementary, middle, and high schoolers benefitted from evidence-based life skills training

125

youth diverted from gang involvement

middle and high school students participated in evidence-based Healthy Relationships sessions

CHARACTER BUILDING STORY

Jayden, a participant of our year-round Violence Intervention Program (VIP) in Broward County, had to attend summer school to improve his grades. He knew that his academic responsibility required that he attend summer school daily, but he was adamant about also attending GA’s 7-week VIP Summer Camp. So, every day, after completing his academic sessions, he biked over 10 miles from his school to the VIP camp site. GA staff ensured that Jayden was properly hydrated from his daily cycling exercising as soon as he reached camp. His dedication to participate in GA’s youth activities is a testament to his appreciation for the safe space that GA has created, complete with high quality, interactive and fun activities that make youth feel loved, heard and supported.

1,124 elementary, middle, and high school students attended safe after-school programming

36% Increase

3,989 Protective factors increased and risk factors decreased in youth

630 elementary, middle and high schoolers received back packs with school supplies

GA summer camps served 637 students across Miami-Dade & Broward counties. On July 28th, GA held an End of Sumer Bash where middle and high school campers participated in a round of edutainment booths with loads of fun prizes and enjoyed outdoor games, music, food, and a 360-degree video booth.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE END OF SUMMER BASH RECAP VIDEO!

9 Programs

4 new programs added in 2022

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

55 homeless veterans served

81

women participated in non-traditional occupational skills training

175 individuals placed in jobs

141 justice-involved individuals participated in Second Chance Programs and supported in reintegrating into society.

301 individuals benefitted from occupational skills

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO TESTIMONIAL OF GA’S SECOND CHANCE PROGRAM!

SUCCESS STORY

GA’s Rebuilding Efforts, Networks, Education and Work (RENEW) Program participant, Darvin, was expecting five years of probation once he left the Pompano Beach Work Release Facility. He made significant progress, successfully obtained his Commercial Driver License, and completed all required assessments. With much support from our dedicated workforce development team, the judge decided to terminate his probation after serving only seven months so that he can work in shipping boat parts statewide. The judge stated he had never approved someone for early termination without at least half of the time completed. With the mentoring he has received, Darvin plans to come back to GA and offer his services as a mentor to other previously incarcerated people.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“Gang Alternative, Inc. helped me pick my life back up following my almost 3-year stint in prison. They gave me guidance, advice, and an opportunity to enhance my life, for free! I never thought I would be able to go to school with a felony for anything less than $100,000, but RENEW Broward showed me otherwise. Now I’m a Certified Administrative Medical Assistant and a Realtor! Thank you, GA! I couldn’t have done it without you!”

- Lahyana P., RENEW Broward

FAMILY STRENGTHENING

1120

turkeys distributed to familes for Thanksgiving

44 families received Temporary Family Stabilization funds for emergency housing assistance, food, and clothing

70

parents were trained with evidence-based Nurturing Parenting

25 Parent/caregiver engagement events held with

309 Parents/caregivers attending

9 150

Family Dinners serving family members were held in disadvantaged communities

The Benefits of Family Dinners

1. Better family relationships

2. Better academic performance

3. Less stress and tension at home

4. Improving communication between children and their parents/caregivers

5. Lower risk of substance abuse, teen pregnancy and depression

6. Healthier eating patterns in children

7 Programs

2 new programs added in 2022

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

1390

elementary, middle, and high schoolers participated in youth substance abuse prevention sessions

468

EDUCATION AND TRAINING students participated in weekly nutrition sessions and learned how to prepare healthy snacks

446 individuals received HIV and other STI prevention education

162% Increase

93 parents/caregivers, educators, and social service providers were trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid

SERVICES

44 children benefitted from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy

34 children who were directly impacted by the opioid epidemic received substance use intervention support services

Robotics Summer Camp

Homestead Family Resource Fair

GPS 21 Summer Camp

GPS Summer Camp

BLOC Spring Break Camp

GPS Summer Camp

GPS Valentine’s Day

BLOC Summer Camp

OPP Summer Camp

GPS Valentine’s Day

VIP Summer Camp

GPS Spring Break Camp

VIP Summer Camp

Youth Splash Maverick City Tour Concert

12th Annual Compassion Project

Youth Entrepreneurship Competition

Substance Use Prevention Youth Leaders Initiative Training

Haitian Flag Day

GPS Hispanic Heritage Month

GPS Black History Month

VIP Hoops Against Violence

Red Ribbon Week

VICE Anti-Violence Community Coalition Inaugural Meeting

Broward Back Pack Drive

National Family Dinner Day

Youth Splash/Kid Splash Christmas Party

Staff Fun Day

Homestead Back Pack Drive

National Career Development Month

Staff Christmas Spirit Week

Miami Back Pack Drive

End of Summer Bash

Lunch on the Terrace: Employer Engagement

Staff Wellness Session

DEA Prescription Take Back Day

GPS Christmas Toy Drive / Christmas Show