THE Lounge
A TEENS PLACE, WHERE THEY THRIVE!
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donor program
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COMING SOON!
Tackling Challenges
Addressing violence and homelessness.
safe space
“The Lounge” offers a supportive
place to grow.
Empowering Leaders
Guiding students to become
future leaders.
Holistic SupporT
Education, guidance, and faith-based resources.
MISSION
Preparing the Next Generation for Success
Get to Know Us
Destiny Assignment Youth Training Center is dedicated to empowering high school students in underserved communities to become future leaders, entrepreneurs, and community pillars. Known as "The Lounge," our center offers a safe, personalized space where students can transition successfully into college, the workforce, or apprenticeships. By providing guidance, educational resources, and faith-based support, we not only prepare young people for academic and professional success but also address the challenges of violence and homelessness. Our mission is to foster a transformative environment where every student can connect, thrive, and build a foundation for a brighter future.
VISION
Equipping Youth to Thrive Against All Odds
Our vision is to create a supportive and transformative environment where high school students in at-risk areas can discover their strengths, develop essential skills, and pursue their educational and career aspirations with confidence. We aim to equip the next generation with the tools, mindset, and purpose needed to break the cycles of violence and homelessness, empowering them to thrive in a rapidly changing world, grounded in faith and driven by hope.
PURPOSE
Bridging Gaps, Building Futures
Destiny Assignment Youth Training Center exists to bridge the gap between high school and the next stages of life for students in underserved communities. We provide comprehensive support and resources focused on academic readiness, career preparation, and spiritual development, while also addressing the challenges of violence and homelessness. Our purpose is to ensure that each student is equipped with the clarity, confidence, and resilience needed to navigate their future successfully and to emerge as empowered individuals who can positively impact their communities.
TARGET POPULATION
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UTICA AREA
We serve high school students aged 16-18 in Utica who face unstable or unsafe home environments. Many come from single-parent households, particularly in East and West Utica and Cornhill, where poverty rates are high.
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Data shows that up to half the children in some areas live below the poverty line, and students exposed to violence at home are significantly more likely to engage in violent behavior.
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YOUNG MINDS
Our programs focus on supporting these students as they work to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. We are particularly focused on reaching those who are determined to overcome their circumstances and are seeking a supportive space to pursue their education and future aspirations.
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FAQ:
Q: How will we know they are ready?
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A: We offer a series of tests and pre-qualifying criteria to determine youth readiness and their propensity towards change.
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Become a part of our Donor Program and get more detailed information on our criteria, and tests.
Source: Youth Violence, Juvenile Crime, and Youth Gangs in Utica, NY (2005), pages 14-15. Prepared by Social Science Associates, Utica Safe Schools/Healthy Partnerships, Inc.
program overview
At Destiny Assignment, we’re all about transforming the lives of high school students, especially those facing tough circumstances.
Through "The Lounge," our youth training center, we empower young people from underserved communities to become future leaders, entrepreneurs, and community pillars. Our focus is on long-term solutions to gun violence and homelessness, boldly paving new paths that haven’t been explored in the Utica area.
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We offer a unique blend of educational, emotional, and spiritual support in a safe, nurturing environment that encourages growth, accountability, and stability. And we’re not stopping there. Our future goals include creating dormitories in high-need areas to provide safe housing for at-risk youth, addressing homelessness, and combating violence as they continue their education.
Together, we’re building brighter futures for our youth.
Supportive Living Program:
Three-Tiered Solutions: A Safe and Nurturing Environment
1. Supportive Spaces for At-Risk Youth:
Our initiatives create safe, nurturing environments where young people facing challenging home situations can find the stability needed to focus on their education and personal growth.
2. Empowering Independent Youth:
We provide living spaces that encourage self-reliance and responsibility, offering youth a chance to develop critical life skills in a supportive setting.
3. Community-Centered Support:
We partner with local institutions to provide access to essential resources, helping youth stay connected, supported, and engaged as they navigate their educational and personal journeys.