Affinity 321

Brief Description

Affinity 321 is a mentorship program for youth involved in the justice system, with a focus on youth serving secure or open custody sentences. The program pairs youth with community volunteers, who act as mentors and work on connecting the youth with positive community activities to support reintegration into the community and reduce recidivism.

The program will provide these opportunities through collaboration with community agencies, such as the Iksokapi Youth Leadership Program, Nikamoh Hip Hop Program (in partnership with Pathways CSA) and a Community Garden/Cooking Program (in partnership with Redefin’d).

Goals

The main goals of the Affinity 321 program are to:

• Support justice-involved youth as they reintegrate back into their communities;
• Help youth develop protective factors (ie. healthy communication skills and positive community involvement); and
• Build relationships through one-to-one mentorships, which will help connect youth to their communities.

Clientele

The appropriate clientele for the project are youth involved in the justice system, with a focus on youth serving secure or open custody sentences. The program targets all demographics of youth between the ages of 12 to 24 years old and aims to mentor long term.

Core Components

Affinity 321 is a one-to-one mentorship program. Mentors will help youth connect to various community programs and services, which will provide them with more opportunities to engage in prosocial activities.

Community programs and services include the following:

• Iksokapi Youth Leadership Program
• Nikamoh Hip Hop Program (in partnership with Pathways CSA); and
• Community Garden/Cooking Program (in partnership with Redefin’d).

Implementation Information

Some of the critical elements for the implementation of this program or initiative include the following:

• Organizational requirements: Limited information on this topic.
• Partnerships: Iksokapi Youth Leadership Program, Nikamoh Hip Hop Program (in partnership with Pathways CSA), Community Garden/Cooking Program (in partnership with Redefin’d).
• Training and technical assistance: Limited information on this topic.
• Risk assessment tools: Limited information on this topic.
• Materials & resources: Limited information on this topic.

International Endorsements

The most recognized classification systems of evidence-based crime prevention programs have classified this program or initiative as follows:

• Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development: Not applicable.
• Crime Solutions/OJJDP Model Program Guide: Not applicable.
• SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices: Not applicable.
• Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy: Not applicable.

Gathering Canadian Knowledge

Canadian Implementation Sites

Affinity 321 was implemented in Calgary, Alberta from 2017 to 2019 by the Affinity Mentorship Foundation. Funding was provided through the Civil Forfeiture Grant, Government of Alberta.

Main Findings from Canadian Outcome Evaluation Studies

No information available.

Cost Information

No information available.

References

There is no Canadian reference available at this time.

For more information on this program, contact:

Affinity Mentorship Foundation (AMF)

PO Box 14058 – Richmond Road PO

Calgary, AB, T3E 7Y7

E-mail : info@affinitymentorship.com

Website: www.affinitymentorship.com