YOUTH GUIDANCE IN DALLAS
History/Background
Youth Guidance Dallas launched BAM and WOW programs within the Dallas Independent School District during the 2021-22 school year touching the lives of over 650 students and families.
These programs were chosen through a rigorous selection process led by Dallas ISD and Mayor Eric Johnson’s Task Force on Safe Communities, which sought evidence-based social-emotional learning programs for schools to help prevent and address violent crime in Dallas communities.
Seed funding to support BAM and WOW’s launch in Dallas ISD was generously provided by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation.
Becoming A Man® program (BAM®) is a school-based group counseling program that guides young men in 7-12th grades to learn, internalize and practice social cognitive skills, make responsible decisions for their future and become positive members of their school and community.
BAM integrates clinical theory and practice, men’s rites of passage work, and a dynamic approach to youth engagement.
Working On Womanhood (WOW) is a multifaceted, school year-long group counseling and clinical mentoring program.
WOW works to improve social-emotional competencies for girls in 7th-12th grade exposed to traumatic stressors in high risk and under-resourced communities.
Using a trauma-Informed approach, WOW targets young women with significant risk factors for dropout or delinquency such as: teenage pregnancy, trauma, drug or alcohol abuse, self-harm, gang involvement, fighting, academic failure and discipline referrals.
BAM PROGRAM IMPACT
Students enrolled in the BAM Program are:
arrested for violent crime
in school
high school on time
every $1 invested in BAM
WOW PROGRAM IMPACT
experienced fewer
PTSD symptoms*
experienced fewer
depression symptoms*
*of those starting in the clinical range
that the program has helped them
make better decisions for themselves
DALLAS
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By increasing access to critical mental and behavioral health services, BAM and WOW equips students with the confidence and skills they need to thrive personally and academically- and to continually promote safe and healthy communities.
Upcoming Events
3rd Annual Youth and Parent Summit
Click Picture To Register
Here & Now: Youth Guidance Dallas
Michael Berry's interview with FOX 4
Click Picture To Watch Interview
DALLAS ADVISORY COUNCIL
Youth Guidance’s advisory councils are composed of individuals who are committed to helping students and program participants in their communities. Each council member has a strong desire be actively involved in solving the issues these youth face. Each devotes time, talent and expertise to the current and future work of our local programs.