Trekkers Training Institute (TTI) Director, Meredith Lynt, traveled to Immokalee Florida to provide three youth serving organizations, Florida Dreamcatchers, Wellfit Girls Program, and 1 By 1 Leadership Foundation, with an immersive overview of the Trekkers’ Youth Programming Principles. The 10 Principles highlight the evidence-based program philosophies and strategies that make Trekkers unique and have contributed to their success over the past 25 years. While implementation may look slightly different in each community, Trekkers’ principles are now being replicated by different organizations in other communities across the nation and Trekkers is excited to extend their support to out of state organizations such as Dreamcatchers.
Dreamcatchers is a comprehensive mentoring program that connects student cohorts to caring adults along a 9-year journey that starts in 6th grade and culminates two years into a student’s post-secondary experience. In preparation to launch the new Florida-based program, Program Director Kristina O’Hern traveled to Maine for a customized training experience that included an immersion into Trekkers’ annual 8th Grade Advanced Trekkers expedition. In addition, Dreamcatchers recently hired former Trekkers Senior Manager of Programs, Alaina Ennamorati, as a Program Manager to help adapt and expand the Dreamcatchers model to meet the unique needs and goals of the 9-year program.
Similar to Trekkers and the local community it serves in Maine, Dreamcatchers believes that their long-term mentoring efforts can make a significant difference in raising the aspirations of the young people and their families living in their unique community, Immokalee, which is home to many immigrant and migrant families. TTI’s Director Meredith will continue to provided individualized support, coaching and technical assistant to the emerging organization as they begin the implementation of Trekkers’ Programming Principles and adapt the related policies and procedures that speak to Immokalee’s unique strengths, culture, and community.
For more information on Dreamcatchers, please visit https://www.floridadreamcatchers.org.
The Trekkers Training Institute is dedicated to improving outcomes for young people by providing training, coaching, and other professional development opportunities in some of the most effective and tested youth development techniques and principles. With a commitment to meeting young people and the adults that care for them where they are, our work is driven by the idea that relationships are critical in keeping youth on an aspirational trajectory and therefore vital for the future of thriving communities. For more information about the Trekkers Training Institute, please visit trekkersinstitute.org.
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