AIT-SCM

The Rites of Passage (ROP) program is funded through the Texas Department of Health. ROP assists young men to better understand the social and developmental responsibilities of manhood.

Objectives
-- Assure access to services for young men who are fathers or who are at risk of becoming fathers
-- Increase male involvement in promotion of healthy lifestyles
-- Strengthen the relationship of young men to self, family and community

-- Mobilize the Coalition's commitment to support male involvement for teen pregnancy prevention and other risk behaviors

Rites of Passage Coalition
AIT-SCM has organized a group of professionals that function as a supportive coalition to the Rites of Passage program. The ROP Coalition members provide a variety of leadership views that ensure the program is culturally competent, sensitive and appropriate for the target population. The coalition members are service providers in this community, a fact that enhances the success of this program.

El Joven Noble
AIT-SCM adapted El Joven Noble curriculum to the specific needs of at risk young males and their families. Latino youth are the fastest growing population in the United States and experts in the community agree that there is a tremendous need for a culturally and linguistically responsive approach to deal with the social and developmental issues of this group. El Joven Noble is a Latino male Rites of Passage program that focuses on the culturally rooted concepts and values of an ancient people, through indigenous teachings and writings. AIT-SCM provides services to young men from the age of 12 to 21 years who are fathers or at risk of becoming fathers.

National Compadres Network of San Antonio
The local Compadres Network was established in 1989 and is currently affiliated with the National Compadres Network in Los Angeles California. AIT-SCM works with the Compadres Network of San Antonio to provide mentors who give positive support to young men. This volunteer organization of men reinforces positive male involvement in the lives of youth, children, and families. They encourage men, locally and nationally, to individually and collectively nurture positive relationships. Individual donations and the effort of many volunteers fund this organization.

Circulo de Hombres (Circle of Men)
AIT-SCM also works with the Circulo de Hombres, a male support group where young men are integrated with adult male role models and mentors, to nurture, guide and support youth towards manhood.

Cultural Enhancement Activities
The program participants are taken on two annual retreats where they explore cultural aspects of their heritage. They also experience an overnight campout where they learn how to live outdoors, cook over a campfire and construction of a teepee. ROP also provides health education and a graduation ceremony.

The Rites of Passage Program is funded through Title X Family Planning Grant #FPHPAO6089818 awarded to the Texas Department of Health by U.S. Public Health Service, DHHS, region VI, Dallas , Texas .

Click HERE if you would like to volunteer to help with the Rites of Passage Program or an AIT-SCM event.

Click HERE to contact us or to register for workshops, seminars, classes & other activities.