CELP Life Skills Program

Children Enhancing Lifestyles Permanently (CELP) is a collaborative partnership between Neighborhood Christian Center and Trinity Community Coalition Outreach, Inc. (TCCO). TCCO, a community based organization serves as lead agency. The purpose of CELP is to provide early intervention and prevention services through tutoring, life skills training, performing arts and supervised recreational activities to children aged 5-12 years whose parents are disabled and/or incarcerated and to children aged 5-12 years that are at risk of academic failure and/or juvenile delinquency. The strategies within the program plan are designed to empower participants to strive to reach their potential. In today’s society, many children are in the custody of someone other than the parent. So that children that live with someone other than their parent do not feel ostracized, we deliberately use the term “caregiver”. The CELP program is designed to:

  • Improve participant’s academic achievement and enthusiasm for learning
  • Reduce the risk of juvenile delinquency
  • Empower participants to make informed decisions
  • Build participant’s self esteem
  • Increase caregiver involvement

Program Includes:

Case Management – staff coordinates all activities and is responsible for coordinating services and ensuring case file contains documentation of services, activities, achievements and gaps in program plan.
Family support Initiative – is critical to the participant meeting planned goals. Caregiver training is provided to enhance family relationships and to provide caregiver with tools to support participant.
Anger/Behavior Management Training – is available to caregiver and participant and is designed to help the individual adhere to rules and regulations, control behavior, make informed decisions and develop skills that will help to exhale in a positive way rather than in a negative way.
Domestic Violence Training – is available to caregiver to assist the caregiver in understanding domestic violence, the impact it has on the family and how to overcome being a victim and/or victimizer of domestic violence.
Nutritional Support – is available to caregiver and participant and is designed to equip participants with knowledge to develop nutritional concepts that promote healthy living.
Recreational Activities – helps to build confidence, relax the mind and understand the role individuals play on a team. In addition to traditional recreational activities, participants are involved in bowling and golfing.
Performing Arts – help build character and self-esteem, develop creativity and will help participants express themselves through dance, theater and music/song.
Tutoring – to improve student’s academic knowledge in core academic subjects. Kaplan Software will be used to improve reading, math, science and social studies. Tutors will work with participant to develop an Education Plan through college. This process will enhance participant’s enthusiasm for learning and provide an avenue for participant to think about their career as an adult.
Basic Computer Literacy Training – to provide participants with basic computer skills to enhance learning.
Life Skills Training – is available to caregivers and participants and is age and cognitive appropriate.
Individual and Group Counseling – allows the participant to engage in open discussion on topics that impact their daily lives. At the discretion of the Case Manager and/or facilitator, individual counseling may be necessary.
Alcohol, Drug and Gang Awareness Sessions – are held with participants and caregivers to help them recognize and understand the affects of getting involved in these activities and to provide the participants with the tools and resources to refrain from participating in these activities. Gang awareness is a joint effort with the City of Memphis Gang Unit. Workshops are held to provide CELP participants with drug awareness and prevention and gang violence awareness.
Safety and Security – covers safety and security tips of everyday living.
Personal Appearance and Hygiene Training – is available to caregiver and participant. This training will support building self-esteem of participant.
Money Management – is available to caregiver and participant and is age and cognitive appropriate and will provide participants with basic skills in budgeting, managing their finances and maintaining a bank account.
Spiritual Support – is available to caregiver and participant and is designed to provide resources to enhance spirituality. This support is provided only when requested by the caregiver and with written approval of caregiver for participants.

Volunteers are critical to the success of this program. However, TCCO does not sacrifice the safety and security of our participants. Therefore, volunteers undergo a vigorous background check before being accepted into the program. Volunteers must:

  • Commit to attending an 8 hour orientation session
  • Sign a Statement of Understanding of the role of a volunteer
  • Commit to one year of volunteer service
  • Attend all required training
  • Submit monthly activity reports to Case Manager

Note: Sex offenders are not eligible for any of our programs.