Empower Training Institute Inc.
Black Table Talk Mentoring Program (BTT) targets young girls who exhibit problematic behaviors, failing classes, and or those who would benefit from sisterhood relationships.
Targeted audience: 6th-12th grade Black girls.
Goals:
▪Cultivate inner personal skills
▪ Develop and foster relationships among 6th -12th grade girls
▪ Develop sisterhoods
▪ Effective communication
▪ Enhance decision making and responsible behaviors
▪ Enhancing their self esteem/self image
▪ Recognize the talents/abilities/skills of each girl
Description of services:
▪ Advocacy
▪ Case Management
▪ Guest speakers
▪ Intake
▪ Mentoring
▪ One on One weekly check in
▪ Parent meetings
▪ Peer to Peer Facilitation
▪ Provide resources as needed
▪ Recruitment of students
Program Structure:
▪ Group chat sessions
▪ Journaling
▪ Peer to Peer facilitation
Topics:
1. Self Esteem
2. Communication
3. Human Trafficking
4. Career Opportunities
5. Financial Literacy
Methodologies: Training materials will include power point presentations, handouts, affirmations, group activities, peer-to-peer teaching, weekly check in, journaling, pre and post assessments. The methodology and or the activities may change; however the objectives for each lesson will not change. Each lesson contains chat sessions, guided essential questions, lesson objectives, proposed outcomes and affirmation activities. Facilitators will review each lesson in advance to ensure that they have the resources and supplies needed to carry out the lesson effectively.
Program Benefits
: ▪ Academic achievement
▪ Career and college preparedness
▪ Community services
▪ Detention clearances
▪ Develop sisterhoods
▪ Enhance leadership skills
▪ Improve school attendance
▪ Improve communication skills
▪ Reduce discipline refer
Self Determination is a voluntary alternative to the traditional way of providing regional center services. The program is facilitated by giving participants (or their parents or legal representatives) a specific budget to purchase the services and supports that they need to make their person-centered plan work better for them. Participants may choose their services and pick which providers deliver those services. Participants are responsible for staying within their annual budget.
How Does Self Determination Work?
The way the Self-Determination Program works is different than the way services are traditionally delivered. The thing that makes self-determination so exciting is that it gives the consumer or guardian flexibility in choosing their facilitator to aide them in their services, supports, and providers. In the Self-Determination Program, the consumer can buy different services, not just those through the regional center.
The program offers a lot of flexibility. Services can include, but aren’t limited to: individual training; vehicle adaptations; or support with communication. Services and supports can be from almost anyone in the community. Right now, the Service Coordinator from the regional center is the person who helps the consumer find the services that are needed.
In self-determination, the consumer or guardian get to decide who else they want to help them. This could be a family or friends, or an Independent Facilitator. Self-Determination offers the opportunity to be creative, think outside the box.
Gayle Gordon is a experienced Independent Facilitator who has served individuals with disabilities professionally and personally for 30 years. She is currently her grandsons ‘s Limited Conservator and has authored , When you Die will I have to Push a Basket? (transitioning individual with Developmental Disabilities from high school to adulthood). The book is a guide for parents who have individuals with Developmental Disabilities.