THe Encounter Project

We offer life changing experiences called "An Encounter". The encounter serves as an opportunity to experience ideas, old and new, and their respective consequences. This is accomplished with all the internal confrontations and questions of reflection, but without the real-life consequences of a final decision. We provide our youth with a tour of the proverbial, "Fork in the Road"; where they are given a live simulation of where the wrong decision leads and alternatives to traveling down the wrong path.

 

"Nothing is more dangerous than an idea, when it is the only one you have."

Emile     

The Barbershop Encounter

The Barbershop Encounter is designed for current general population residents in the Youth Detention Facility. Both male and female housing units are served, and the age range of residents are from 11 to 19 years old. This Encounter is all about breaking down barriers (status quo's and fixed mindsets) that blind and paralyze youth vision and mobility. We intentionally work hard to liberate fixed mindsets by interrupting cognitive patterns that lead to recidivism. As residents voluntarily select to participate, we through activities, games and inspirational stories provide residents with the tools needed to begin functioning in an open mind set. They are reminded that it is not too late for change and are given comprehensive training (Community Building, Anger Management, Alternatives to Violence, Conflict Resolution, Identifying and Understanding Personal Conflict Styles and Smart Goal Setting), on how to succeed during and after their release from the Youth Detention Facility.

The Adjustment Encounter 

The Adjustment Encounter is designed for residents that need to build more intensive skills regarding thought patterns, stress, complicated relationships, grief, and many other common life challenges. We intentionally and strategically integrate YDF’s Culture Card Daily Principles into each lesson based on the individual adjustment need of the residents present for the encounter. This Adjustment Encounter is very fruitful in promoting growth and change by encouraging youth to make better decisions in the future by resolving issues in a positive and Prosocial manner.

Acme Moment Encounter

The Acme Moment Encounter is designed to function in YDF’s Orientation Unit where new residents (within the first seven days) await a court date or a housing assignment. The Acme Moment Encounter highlights and helps residents see in this defining moment in time, a reflection of themselves and questions like; “what are you going to do about what you see?” Encouraging participants to self-reflect and Answer questions in the Acme Moment, is the Encounter we inspire.

The 24-Hour Prosocial Encounter 

The 24-Hour Prosocial Encounter is a training designed for current high security residents. This encounter provides redemption, and a second chance to prove merit by demonstrating remorse and restoration to health or normal life. Participants are given an outlet to restore their health and increase their capacity for positive outcomes through Prosocial training. Trained residents (completers of the encounter training) will have the opportunity to “pay it forward” by sharing their personal story in an “unfollow me” way. 

The Reality Check Encounter

The Reality Check Encounter is designed for youth who are at-risk of traveling down the school-to-prison pipeline. The 5 phases of the program are called, "Doses" each dose will equip the participants with the tools and practical training necessary to increase their capacity for future success. Prior to commencement, our hope is that participants are escorted to the Sacramento County Probation Department, where they are given a live simulation of where poor decisions can take them. 

The One-On-One intensive Encounter

The One-On-One Intensive Encounter is designed to provide individual residents with a tailor made lessons and consultation sessions.  These sessions are typically conducted in the visiting center non-contact rooms. The One-On-One's are available by referral and appointment.