To create cycles of creativity and accountability, therefore reducing cycles of poverty, crime, illiteracy and neglect.

What We Did Today

8:30 a.m. On a typical Summer day we will have arrived at 8:30 a.m. to get the building
ready and receive our meals and volunteers.

12:00 p.m. By noon we will have over 90 children and youth under 18, participating in
summer camp by either being a camper or a junior counselor. We will have fed over 90 full breakfasts and
110 hot lunches to campers and community members 18 and under.

3:00 p.m. We will close down day camp, clean the center again and then sit down with
the junior counselors to discuss the day.

3:30 p.m. At 3:30 we will reopen for afternoon programming for ages 12-18, were we
offer indoor and outdoor recreation, computer access, life-skills and a safe haven from the streets.

5:30 p.m. We will feed an additional 20 to 40 hot meals for dinner.

7:00 p.m. Open until 7pm on Thursday through Saturdays, we are open for those 16-25
years of age. We will feed about 20 to 30 young adults, where we will sit down family style and discuss
the events of the community and learn conflict resolution over a game of basketball or pool. Mentors
from the community are available and we have computer access for college + job applications, G.E.D.
study and job training opportunities. We counsel young people on re-conciliation skills and mediate
neighborhood conflicts.

10:00 p.m We will close at 10:00 p.m. or sometimes later. Our operations are 6 days per
week, sometimes 7 on holidays or special weekends. On a typical Summer Day, we will have served between
120 and 160 children, teens and young adults.

programs2
programs1
programs3

What We Do Every Day

APEX is a community-based youth center that offers neighborhood teens and young adults mentoring,
tutoring, health, focus, community service opportunities, recreation, and a host of structured activities
designed to prepare them to become productive citizens in New Orleans and the world.

Who We Serve +

The center services children, primarily ages 12 to 18, during the day, with special activities and programs in the evening targeted to teens and young adults between 15 and 25.

Objectives +

Accountable Programs that have personal and community value based on sound guidelines and curriculum.

Actionable Objectives that enrich the lives of children and teens and prepare them for adulthood through education and mentoring.

Tangible Results through production of products for the community at large, i.e. visual and fine art performances, art shows, websites and newspaper publication.

Sustainable Outcomes by partnering with other community based organizations and creating programs that teach and practice sustainability.

Programs and Activities Offered +

  • Behavioral Relationship Pods (BRPs are activity centers around recreation that provide
    communication facilitation opportunity and learning pro-social behaviors in context)
  • Mentoring and Prosocial Behavior Skill Building
  • Enrichment Classes, Tutoring and Homework Help
  • Teen Talk
  • Job Training
  • Community Service Activities
  • Daily nutritious snack & Sit Down Supper
  • Family Support & Needs Fulfillment
  • Recreation & Team sports
  • Other: Music (instrumental and vocal), dance, writing, visual art, acting, film and stage
    production, internet and web development

Facts +

425+ kids currently enrolled

  • Staffed daily by volunteer mentors
  • On average, more than 60 kids served daily
  • 6,200 sq. ft. indoor facility features game rooms, library/den, computer room, homework
    room, a recording studio, large multi-purpose room, serving kitchen, and indoor recreation
    space for basketball and other activities
  • Facility also includes a large fenced yard suitable for various activities; space accessible
    to community activities and partnerships that are compatible with APEX programming and age
    groups.