| Background The Pathways/Senderos Center was established in January 1993. The community-based program targets poverty-stricken youth and their families in New Britain for comprehensive, holistic services designed ultimately to prevent teen pregnancy. Our program is based upon a highly successful Harlem (NY) program begun in the 1980s by Dr. Michael Carrera and the Children’s Aid Society. Dr. Carrera, who served as a consultant to our program, uses a case management approach to provide long-term, intensive services for youth and their families. The program model includes six integrated components: academic support; career preparation; family life and sex education; recreation/lifetime sports; health care, and self-esteem enhancement. |
| The Philosophy Our methodology involves creating a parallel family structure at the Center. We make sure the children feel safe, welcomed and nurtured, so that learning and skill-building occur. In order to interrupt the intergenerational cycles of teen parenting and poverty, our staff strives to develop in each child: -the competency and motivation to achieve success; -the competency and motivation to avoid early parenthood; -the capability to envision a pathway to a hopeful future that includes education and careers, rather than parenting too soon. |
| The Problem Research shows that children born to teen parents are more likely to: -live in poverty; -fail in school; -suffer family violence and sexual abuse; -become teen parents. Recognizing the significance of these facts, our program is designed to stop the intergenerational cycles of teen parenting. |
| The Children Pathways/Senderos Center serves girls and boys, ages 10-18, from the inner city poverty-stricken, high-risk areas of New Britain. All of the youth are at high risk for becoming teen parents: -They come from poor families with undereducated parents (most are Spanish-speaking); -Many have severe academic problems and long-standing negative relationships with the schools; -Many are siblings of teen parents; -Many are children who were born to teen parents. |
| Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention Inc. Pathways/Senderos Center |
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| Pathways/Senderos Center is evaluated annually by Philliber Research Associates. |
| Our Mission To eliminate teen pregnancy by addressing its root causes, assuring high school graduation, and promoting adult self-sufficiency. We provide long-term, comprehensive, holistic service by creating a parallel family structure with neighborhood youth and parents. Our motto: Diplomas Before Diapers. |