What's Adelante?

A Positive Youth Development Program

The overarching goal of Adelante is to build community, family, and individual assets as a mechanism for preventing youth risk behavior.  Adelante combines a set of community-wide programs that are available to youth and families in Langley Park, and more targeted program components for a subset of Latino youth and their families. Programs are strengthened by capacity-building and support services. 

Langley Park, Maryland

COMMUNITY-WIDE PROGRAMS

Most activities include prevention and education messages concerned with substance abuse, violence ,and risky sexual behavior.

Recreation activities include soccer, basketball, dance, art, kickboxing, yoga, gardening, and other activities that take place at various locations, including schools, community facilities, and parks.

Engagement activities are aimed at fostering a sense of pride, belonging, and engagement with the community. 

Capacity-Building activities are tailored to increase Adelante's sustainability.  They include engaging and training Latino youth and their parents in leadership and advocacy, empowering both to use their voices to advocate for issues that are important to them. Health literacy training is also offered to community members, along with educational and job capacity-building activities to help Latino youth stay in school and build their options for positive futures. 

Youth Leadership and Advocacy Program: Youth Leaders provide social support, serve as positive role models, and create a positive social network for immigrant youth. They actively collaborate with Maryland Multicultural Youth Centers' staff for program activities and referrals.

Parents As Leaders Program: Parent Leaders advocate for topics of interest, facilitate prevention sessions with other parents, and assist in Adelante's outreach to parents.

Academic Support Programs: GED programs, college and other educational informational sessions, and in-school as well as after-school academic support and tutoring are offered. Information on accessing higher education is provided in conjunction with Prince George's County Community College and other partners.

Job Training and Linkages: Job training and career readiness activities for youth and young adults already provided by the Drop-In Center have been strengthened and focused on the Langley Park community.

Health Literacy Training: A series of health literacy training sessions are offered for youth and parents to connect to health resources and information on the Web.

TARGETED YOUTH PROGRAMS

In addition to the community-wide programs, the Adelante program will provide extra targeted supports for up to 150 Latino youth and their families.

Multi-Family Group Dinners: Weekly family dinners aim to improve family connection, cohesion, and conflict resolution by building family traditions, rituals, and memories, as well as developing healthy communication practices. The case managers will also facilitate referrals to other social services as needed to address family stressors.

Individual Case Management: Case managers troubleshoot and help youth pursue positive opportunities (applying to college, making contacts, learning necessary skills). Case managers also facilitate involvement of youth in other Adelante activities to increase participation in the community and provide a source of recognition and social support.