The S.T.A.N.D. (Sustainable Transformation Allowing New Direction) POWER GROUP ALTERNATIVES program is a 15-week, culturally responsive, community-based behavioral health violence-prevention restorative peer mentorship model serving power group–involved or at-risk youth and young adults ages 12–24.

Grounded in healing-centered engagement, restorative justice, emotional regulation, and culturally rooted mentorship, S.T.A.N.D. provides youth and young adults with the tools to safely navigate high-risk environments, strengthen mental and emotional wellness, and build nonviolent and prosocial identities.

Through experiential learning, group circles, and trauma-responsive mentorship, participants gain protective factors that promote resilience, reduce system involvement, and support long-term wellbeing.

Behavioral Health & Skill-Building Focus

S.T.A.N.D. integrates evidence-informed behavioral health approaches to build competencies in:

• Emotional regulation & self-awareness
• Healthy decision-making & problem solving
• Trauma understanding & coping strategies
• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) awareness and early intervention
• Community connectedness & positive identity formation

NVC, MHFA & Restorative Practices Integration

Using the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and Youth & Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), mentors guide youth in developing:

• Skills for emotional expression and identifying needs
• Conflict de-escalation and nonviolent problem-solving
• Peer support techniques grounded in empathy and active listening
• Crisis response strategies including when and how to seek help
• Awareness of substance use risks, triggers, and coping tools
• Confidence navigating mental health challenges in themselves and peers

Restorative justice circles create a culturally grounded space for reflection, accountability, storytelling, and healing—supporting youth in building trust, repairing harm, and strengthening community bonds.

Outcome Goals

S.T.A.N.D. aims to ensure youth leave the program with:

• Increased emotional regulation and coping skills
• Stronger connections to prosocial peers and mentors
• Reduced exposure to or involvement in violence
• Improved mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviors
• Enhanced self-identity, purpose, and future orientation

S.T.A.N.D is the intellectual property of ICAN Consulting, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (c) 2020