Our Mission
Our
mission is to develop and implement collaborative programing in
five core areas, or "pillars". In collaboration with agencies, inter-disciplinary professionals, and a variety of
stakeholders in the welfare of our youth, the Kandace Academy provides a nurturing program to socially vulnerable young women
providing them with inspiration and guidance in their growth as healthy, capable, self-sufficient individuals. We view a successful
program as one that initiates a journey of self discovery, self-mastery and transformation by creating
a network of mentors, teachers, healers, and peers all dedicated to the growth of each "kandace" or apprentice.
Youth development is viewed as a process of education that provides exposure to diverse experiences, resources, training and
nurturance to polish, inspire and initiate young women into their fullest potential, realizing their fullest capabilities,
and successfully charting their unique life-missions. The Kandace Academy's central theme is "transition"-growth
from youth to adulthood-for all young women. Target transition areas addressed by KA programming are: young women transitioning
from child welfare [foster care] to independence, juvenile to adult health-care, and juvenile justice system to community
re-entry.
The Kandace Academy’s mission is supported by Five
Pillars.
k
Health
and Nutrition-each apprentice will be guided through utilizing resources to assess current health. Any identified
problems will be addressed through referral while an individual health plan will be designed teaching the apprentice how to
monitor and safeguard their health and well-being. Preventative and health maintenance techniques will be taught, including
nutrition, detoxification, cleansing and exercise. The state of being healthy is a key in laying the foundation of a strong
individual.
k Academic/Educational Enrichment-each apprentice’s unique gifts will
be assessed and utilized to develop weak areas. Alternative methods of learning engaging all the senses, and challenging the
apprentice’s ability to think, investigate, and create , as well as fostering better understanding
and applications of knowledge. k Obstacle Training/Communication-critical thought and analysis of obstacles will
be fostered as apprentices are challenged to develop the ability to interpret image, understand how outside influences affect
thought and feeling process, and resolve conflicts in a manner preserving dignity and serving the best interests of all parties
involved. Apprentices will develop the understanding that their thoughts, words, and actions chart their destiny, and will
be able to direct and ultimately master what they create through this active visualization. k
Community Citizenship-each
apprentice will explore and define her role in all of the communities she is a member of-family, neighborhood, faith, and
livelihood communities. Self-actualization will be fostered by integrating the apprentice’s spiritual practice with
belief in self, responsibility in community, setting and respecting boundaries, and developing ideas into action. k
Right Livelihood-how will I
make my living? Each apprentice will explore her dreams as a guide to developing an enriching, self-empowering, and successful
way to earn a living by fulfilling her own mission, honoring her purpose, and utilizing her unique gifts and talents.
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Becoming a Member
You can become a member of the Kandace Academy [KA] in several ways: become an initiate-apply
as an individual or group, or be referred; become a donor-funding, in-kind contributions, and resources; or, become a
partner-collaborate with KA to highlight your expertise or service for young initiates; All levels of membership are needed
and desired to develop customized KA programming.
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