The programs that Homies Unidos Denver implements make a significant impact on the lives of 150-200 at-risk youth each year in the Denver area. Here’s how:
Character Development – The Joven Noble curriculum that is a cornerstone of Homies Unidos Denver’s programming, is widely used and, when implemented with fidelity, reduces risky behavior of participants. Several evaluations of the program across the country have shown that the program is highly effective. In 2010, the Journal of Community Psychology published an article about the program that stated that the Joven Noble curriculum is effective in shaping youth’s attitudes and beliefs about high-risk sexual behaviors. Other researchers have determined that participants who complete the curriculum have: a) increased cultural esteem, b) decreased psychosocial stress exposure; and c) improved cultural knowledge and beliefs.
Mentoring – Homies Unidos knows that healthy, supportive relationships with adults and peers can lead to a range of positive outcomes, including increases in high school graduation rates and pro social behaviors (in school, with family and in the community). The organization’s mentoring program creates space for youth to build meaningful and healthy relationships. The impact of the mentoring program is most evident in the words of a participant: “I’ve been with Homies Unidos for 12 years…I’m just very thankful for what Mr. Gerardo Lopez has done for me and for my family. He helped me stay out of the streets and stay out of gangs. He would help us out by taking us camping, he would take us out fishing, he’ll take us out to movie nights. He helped me stay out of the streets in those formal ways.”