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UOPBHS also focuses on youth leadership development: •The Building Dreams Mentoring Program is designed to provide positive role models and promote growth, learning, and character building. Along with receiving alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention education, youth also participate in activities that offer preparation for academic excellence and civic leadership. Participants learn life skills that include effective communication, conflict resolution, anger management, values clarification, decision making, and goal setting. Developmental enrichment activities include field trips, college tours, community service, African dance and drumming, summer camp, and other positive activities. Cagle says one of the purposes of UOPBHS’ youth programs is to expose inner-city kids to “activities that they would not otherwise have a chance to participate in, to help them learn about what is available to them in life – for example, going to museums and plays, taking swimming lessons and other things, while receiving general support and guidance.” Kids between the ages of nine and 17 learn about

activities like poetry, stage performing, making jewelry and others, while also receiving a useful education in the negative effects of alcohol and drugs. Outcome data which Cagle provides each year to the state agency indicates that UOPBHS’ programs are having the desired, positive effect in the community. In the most recent fiscal year, none of the 42 children who participated were involved in the juvenile justice system, dropped out of school, or used alcohol or drugs.

“The goal is to remove potential barriers which can prevent people from recovering.” -Evaughn Cagle, founder and CEO, UOPBHS