Children Of Promise Johnson County

Children of Promise programs change lives by providing youth with adults who can help them to thrive and envision a positive future for themselves. Our mentors and committed staff members help youth develop a rich set of assets that help them cope with risk and overcome personal and external challenges faced in their environment. Children of Promise programs are guided by a simple principle that all members of any community can stand behind: ?It?s our community. They?re our future.? Operated by the Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services nonprofit foundation, Community Corrections Improvement Association (CCIA), we have an underlying goal of engaging and involving youth to help reduce recidivism and the likelihood of their involvement in the penal system. Each and every kid deserves to have trusted adults they can turn to, and experiences in their community that make them feel involved, important, and hopeful so that they may achieve their goals and dreams.

Children of Promise is Johnson County has two main programs. One-on-One Mentoring pairs a youth ages 8-17 with a responsible adult role model. The match meets four hours out of every month and spends time together in the community. Children of Promise also hosts match events once a month and continuous training for mentors. The Youth Leadership Summer Enrichment Program is a free summer camp for youth ages 11-15 who qualify for free and reduced lunch. YLP partners with the Iowa City Police Department during camp to build community among youth and officers. YLP uses experiential education to increase social skills and conflict resolution skills.