Goals

1 . Position ourselves and our organization as catalysts for youth development, education, and enrichment through targeted events and seminars.

• -For us, this looks like being there when we are needed and even when we aren't. We want our youth and young adults to know that the Fountain City Difference Project team will be there for them every step of the way! Our Seminars, Youth Retreats, Workshops, Focus Groups, and more are all heard towards empowerment and self effectuation. The greatest gift you can give a child is an option because many of them are told they have none! We will be the have of choice, we WILL be the first thought for help, we WILL be the G.O.A.T. because we have the kids rooting for us, we WILL NOT fail them!

2. Bridge the economic divide through inspiration and the expression of common interests.

• There is no greater connection for a child than to feel like they have someone who understands them! Young children, many times, don't know how to express themselves just yet, so they act out, and they are subsequently viewed as a "problem child" when in reality they need someone in their corner who understands them! That's why we are here! We will provide them with an outlet, an ear, and an option! Creating positive habits now positions them for prosperous possibilities in the future! Through our F.C.D.P. Listens program, we will be their advocate! 
• CDC.gov states that 7.4% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 4.5 million) have a diagnosed behavior problem.
• 7.1% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 4.4 million) have been diagnosed with anxiety. 
• 3.2% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 1.9 million) have been diagnosed with depression. 

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• Many families, community, and healthcare factors are related to children's mental health.
• Among children aged 2-8 years, boys were more likely than girls to have a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder.
• Among children living below 100% of the federal poverty level, more than 1 in 5 (22%) had a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder.
• Age and poverty level affected the likelihood of children receiving treatment for anxiety, depression, or behavior problems.

3. Foster a creative approach to the continual improvement of the inner city by motivating and encouraging our youth to push through the stereotypes! 

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Experiencing violence in childhood impacts lifelong health and well-being.

Resulting in negative coping and health risk behaviors.

• Children exposed to violence and other adversities are substantially more likely to smoke, misuse alcohol and drugs, and engage in high-risk sexual behavior. They also have higher rates of anxiety, depression, other mental health problems, and suicide. 

Impact opportunities and future generations. 

• Children exposed to violence and other adversities are more likely to drop out of school, have difficulty finding and keeping a job, and are at heightened risk for later victimization and/or perpetuation of interpersonal and self-directed violence, by which violence against children can affect the next generation.
• lower levels of education
• low income
• poor parenting practices
• family dysfunction and separation
• being associated with delinquent peers
• witnessing violence between parents or caregivers
• poverty

*https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-children

4. Protect our youth by promoting their knowledge, preparing their strength, and preserving their future. 

• As each of our goals builds on the previous and are connected in intricate ways, we will focus on ensuring they have a choice, a future, and a life! FCDP WILL positively impact each child that comes in contact with us! We will do our absolute best to ensure every child we meet understands they have other options, they are empowered, and their future is theirs for the making, taking, and conquering!