Peter's Story
Peter is a Haitian American male who is 10 years old. He was referred to Quality Life Center's R.I.S.E. and Academic Enrichment and Performing Arts Academy After School Program because he was experiencing several problems in school and at home.
We were informed during the intake process that Peter's mother, who is an African American, rejected him at age seven and gave full custody of him to his father. Peter's maternal grandmother said the reason her daughter rejected the child was because of his Haitian ethnicity. Peter had also begun to act out in school and at home, so his mother felt it was time he went to live with his father.
The father stated he can not always control Peter's behavior and that Peter refuses to follow his directions. He further stated he is afraid of the consequences if he should discipline Peter, because he himself is not a native of this country.
Two years ago, Peter was placed at an Alternative Learning Center where he is currently enrolled. Prior to entering our program in November 2000, he continued to exhibit disruptive and inappropriate behavior. His behavior included striking teachers, fighting classmates and refusing to follow directions.
Peter was referred to the Quality Life Center's R.I.S.E. and Academic Enrichment and Performing Arts Academy After School Program because family members and school officials felt he needed mentoring services and after school tutoring. A support plan was developed for Peter that included mentoring, rewarding positive behavior, and enthusiastically confronting negative behavior. This plan was supplemented with school visits to monitor his interactions with instructors and peers.
On The Road To Success
At the Alternative School, Peter's daily progress is measured by a point system. The maximum points attainable in a day are 40. When Peter entered our program he was not having very good days at school. His daily points ranted from 20-25. Ten weeks after starting program, Peter began to increase his daily points to 36 or better. In the last week, he has scored 40 points every day except the day he scored a 41!
As a result of the tough love and support, Peter receives at the Quality Life Center, he has truly become immersed in the program's daily operations. He is a bright young man who is beginning to appreciate himself and his worth as a human being. We realize Peter has a long way to go, however, we recognize how far he has come and we are committed to assisting him every step of the way. Peter has proven that which the staff of the After School Program has always believed. "If you give love, strong guidance, and eliminate the excuse for failure, a child will flourish and grow to have a 'quality life'." Once motivated, nothing can stop that child from accomplishing anything he or she desires."