Program Description:

Operation: Break the Cycle! is the core program of Emmaus of Santa Barbara. It is specifically designed to be an experiential, educational system targeted towards "at risk" teens in order to help them break the cycle of abuse, violence, self-hatred and self-destructive behaviors.

This program consists of the following elements:

• A beginning Three-Day Retreat
  • Three day experiential weekend designed to foster a sense of belonging, connection and community.
• Subsequent Monthly Workshops
  • Monthly workshops on specific topics designed to help participants realize self-worth.
• Monthly Social Events
  • Monthly activities designed to nurture and sustain healthy friendships.
• Long-Term Mentoring
  • One responsible adult per participant whose main task is to offer personal support and encouragement to the individual.
• Performance Target Assessments
  • Built-in measurement system of observable and measurable personal growth goals.
• Initiation into Responsible Adulthood
  • Making the rite of passage into adulthood by empowering participants to let go of all blame and take full responsibility for their choices.
• Graduation and Commencement
  • A confirmation and acceptance by participants of their commitment to a responsible and healthy lifestyle.
• Turning Point: Life-Long Support System

The program is purposefully open-ended. It is results and person-focused. We do not abandon a young person who is ill-equipped to function effectively in society. We continue working with the individual until he has "done his work" and is ready to be a productive member of society. This we have learned from experience, trial and error, and 6 years of developing this program.

Program Objectives:

• To help participants gain self-respect and realize their self-worth.
  
• To help participants resolve inner conflicts and conflicts in relationships.
• To help participants make responsible decisions and take responsibility for their actions.
• To help participants learn to channel their energies into creative pursuits.
• To dramatically decrease problems at home, school, and in the wider community.