We’ve all heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child…”
At Rite of Passage, our village is made up of more than just loved ones — it’s a diverse network of individuals dedicated to seeing the youth we serve succeed. Across the country, our programs have a community that extends far beyond family, filled with mentors, volunteers, and supporters all dedicated to seeing youth find new interests, grow new skills, and lead positive and fulfilling lives Thanks to their commitments, we have created nurturing environments that give kids the opportunity to thrive, addressing both the small, everyday experiences that build character and resilience, and the larger opportunities that help turn their dreams into reality beyond our programming.
Community volunteers create impact
Our community volunteers play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of youth. With the variety of contributions these volunteers and partners bring to our campuses, they leave a sense of hope and opportunity with the youth they meet and work with One of the most dedicated pairs leading this charge are Barry and Deb McBride, whose unwavering commitment to our Rite of Passage programs has touched countless lives over the years.
Barry and Deb have been steadfast sources of encouragement and wisdom for our students through the years, whether being a friendly face on campus, often accompanied by a smiling pup, or providing a compassionate ear for spiritual advice and assistance in reaching their goals. Mr. McBride works with many youth who take an interest in spirituality and religion, through his work at the community church on our CSA campus. With encouragement to strive beyond their own expectations for themselves. Barry tells students, “You shouldn’t live life by defining yourself by the review mirror, instead you should look through the windshield and see all the opportunities and places that have been shown to you, then you can go from there…” Mrs. McBride shows her own dedication by working with the young girls in our Arizona programs, speaking about the importance of emotional vulnerability, being honest with themselves, and embracing their fears.
Community mentors play an integral role in improving the lives of youth and Barry and Deb McBride’s monumental impact and work at our campuses is living proof of that.
Community involvement through the arts and mental health
In connection with our community mentors, we also understand there are other avenues of giving outside of mentorship. Our community partners and mentors give back through unique and experiential opportunities to enrich the experiences of our youth. One of those ways is through the arts.
According to a 2023 report by the National Guild for Community Arts Education, 90% of creative youth development participants reported a stronger sense of identity and increased community involvement after completing their programs.
We incorporate the understanding of Positive Youth Development by making sure our kids have opportunities to participate in the arts through drama, music, sculpture, painting, and many more. At programs like Lava Heights Academy, we have continued to incorporate the arts through musical performances, creative drama pieces, and a variety of other mediums that allow kids to express themselves in a setting that is built for their therapeutic success.
In support of embracing artistic culture, we have partnered with the Southwest Shakespeare Company (SSC), thanks to a grant awarded to SSC by the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by Arts Midwest, which underscores our continued commitment to integrating the arts into our programs. This collaboration has given youth the opportunity to participate in a six-to-twelve-week performative arts program, giving them the chance to explore the beauty of language and theater.
A mentor’s impact continues for years to come
We believe that good mentors are the cornerstone of transformation. They show up, they listen, they guide, and most importantly, they inspire. These mentors ignite the spark of possibility in the hearts of the youth we serve, helping them see beyond their present circumstances and empowering them to chase a future filled with hope and opportunity. We are truly thankful for all of the time and effort the countless mentors at ROP have contributed to the development of the youth we serve.
We encourage everyone to get involved — whether through volunteering or supporting local organizations that work with at-risk youth. Every interaction, every moment, has the power to build lasting character and create a positive impact on the lives of young people. Join us in making a difference today!