Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi
Tribal Youth Program (NHBP – TYP)
The goal of the Tribal Youth Program is to develop Tribal Youth who become healthy, caring and responsible members of their families and community.
Program Participants
Participants are Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years old. Group members currently represent over 15 different schools.
Location
Due to the extensive 7 county service area, youth are best served by conducting groups at two separate locations. Although there are times both groups do meet together, groups meet in the following locations:
We’chksenyak - Northern Group (meaning where the cold comes from as in the snow)
4415 Byron Center Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49519
888-662-2808
We’chgshatek - Southern Group (meaning where the hot comes from).
1488 Mno-bmadzewen Way
Fulton, MI 49052
888-729-4422
Groups are not limited to these offices, participants often engage in activities in the surrounding communities. (Permission slips must be signed before participating in group activities.)
Meeting Times
The after school program (September to Late May) meets twice a week for 3 hours. Generally 3pm – 6pm. The summer program meets three times a week. Generally 1pm – 4pm depending on the activity scheduled. Hours may vary due to the various activities that our youth are involved in. In case of inclement weather groups may be canceled. Please call the appropriate office. Many times if the surrounding school districts are closed, groups will not meet.
Meet the Staff
Andrea Bush
Andrea Bush joined the NHBP Health Department’s Northern office in Grand Rapids in 2005 in the position of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Youth Coordinator. The program is in its third year and has grown to over 24 consistent participants. In 2004 Andrea graduated with a BSW from Cornerstone University where she was a member of the women’s basketball team. Andrea is a member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi. In College, Andrea spent her internship at Native American Community Services in Grand Rapids.
Upon completion of her degree she spent ten months working for a government service organization called AmeriCorps* National Civilian Community Corps. She traveled around the Southeastern United States working with a variety of non-profit organizations.
Laura Martinez
In early 2008 Laura Martinez joined the NHBP’s Southern Office as a youth worker. Laura is a graduate of Spring Arbor College (now University) with a major in Communication. After graduating from college, she spent over 10 years as a Youth Director working with students in grades 4 – 12.
For over five years Laura has served as a facilitator for the Substance Abuse Council of Greater Battle Creek with the Strengthening Families Program. This program works with parents and their 10 – 14 year old children.
Laura resides near the reservation with her husband of 16 years, Jose (Joe), and two sons, ages two and 11. She is excited to be working with the NHBP Youth!
The 40 Developmental Assets
Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets® are concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities essential to raising successful young people. These assets have the power during critical adolescent years to influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults.
External Assets
Support - Young people need to experience support, care, and love from their families and many others. They need organizations and institutions that provide positive, supportive environments.
Empowerment - Young people need to be valued by their community and have opportunities to contribute to others. For this to occur, they must be safe and feel secure.
Boundaries and Expectations - Young people need to know what is expected of them and whether activities and behaviors are “in bounds” or “out of bounds.”
Constructive Use of Time - Young people need constructive, enriching opportunities for growth through creative activities, youth programs, congregational involvement, and quality time at home.
Internal Assets
Commitment to Learning - Young people need to develop a lifelong commitment to education and learning.
Positive Values - Youth need to develop strong values that guide their choices.
Social Competencies - Young people need skills and competencies that equip them to make positive choices, to build relationships, and to succeed in life.
Positive Identity - Young people need a strong sense of their own power, purpose, worth, and promise.
Assessments
Twice a year program participants are given assessments to help evaluate what areas need to be addressed when planning lessons. The first survey was developed by Search Institute, the creators of the 40 Development Assets. This survey consists of 58 questions that helps determine which internal and external assets are present in each youth’s lives. The second survey is the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. This is an anonymous survey which assesses youth health behavior. There are two separate surveys, one tailored to our middle school participants and one tailored to the high school age group. If you would like to see a copy of either assessment, they are available by request.
The 7 Grandfather Teachings
These teachings encourage character development in youth. These consist of wisdom, respect, courage, truth, honesty, humility, and love.
Youth Council
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi (NHBP) Tribal Youth Council is headed by an elected president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. These members represent the group as a whole, and learn valuable leadership and decision making skills. Throughout the year the group will conduct activities relating to the environment, cultural heritage, healthy lifestyles, and community service.
Service
A goal has been set to encourage youth to be involved in their communities by helping out with service related activities. Through service, youth will receive the satisfaction of helping others while also learning valuable skills. Good leaders are first good servants.
Participant Expectations
First and foremost, each individual must treat others with respect. This includes other participants as well as leaders. Each participant must also come with an open mind to each session. Inappropriate language, fighting, or use of illegal substances will not be tolerated. This will be grounds for dismissal. Each circumstance is dealt with in an appropriate manner. Parents will be notified if difficulties do arise. Participants may be asked to sit out a few sessions until behavior is changed and/or asked to write an essay pertaining to the situation at hand.
Contact Information
Andrea Bush
4415 Byron Center Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49519
Office Number 888-662-2808
If you have any input, questions or concerns, please feel free to call at anytime.