Empowerment

Building a Better Future

The specifics of each core value that RFA youth commit to adhering to are as follows:

• Accountability: We will answer to the outcomes from our choices, behaviors, and actions.

• Integrity: We will be reliable. We will do the right thing. We will be honest and have strong moral values.

• Respect: We will treat others with kindness and a deep admiration. We will be courteous and show elegance and grace for those around us. We will hold others in high regard.

• Compassion: We will be motivated to help physically, spiritually, or emotionally damaged or hurt people. Compassion is built on the principles of fairness and justice. It allows us to empathize with those who have been disheartened and misused.

• Leadership: We will help both ourselves and others do the right things. We set direction, build inspiring ideas, and create new thoughts.

• Excellence: We will push ourselves hard in order to surpass other’s expectations and to excel in everything that we do. We will be proud of our achievements and let our confidence shine through.

• Service: We will be cheerfully and wholeheartedly selfless. We will show our favor through kindness and good will.

By implementing these core values in their daily lives, youth are establishing behaviors and practices that will enable them to become responsible, honest, caring, productive adults. These core values also serve as a segue for youth to learn life skills that are transferable and can be utilized in various areas of their lives. The life skills our youth are taught include critical and creative thinking, decision-making, conflict resolution, effective communication, confidence, empathy, self-awareness, and responsibility.

Through mentoring and empowerment youth receive guidance that empowers them to excel personally and academically. According to the federal website www.youth.gov, mentoring assists youth in enhancing self-esteem and self-confidence, improving behavior at both home and school, establishing healthier relationships and lifestyle choices, improving interpersonal skills, and increasing the high school graduation rate.