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From its inception since 12/31/2011, TransAfrican Development, Inc. (TADI) has operated as an innovative counseling center that creates a safe place where persons living with alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-related problems and HIV/AIDS could come to seek help. TADI conjures an image of a “mother-figure” and a place called home. It cultivates an environment where an individual can go to get away from the stress and perils of street life. TADI therefore represents a place where personal attention, care and unconditional respect prevail. It is an organization that is always willing to work with individuals, local communities, school systems, college and universities, and other organizations committed to the service of runaway youth and substance abuse.

TADI works with persons, especially individuals who need to break the vicious cycle of dysfunctional behavior. It is a model for interactive counseling since it values the use of creative and artistic methods to boost self-empowerment and an achievement-oriented focus in life. Victor Ndando-Ngoo, the Founder and CEO with a wealth of experience in substance abuse and related healthcare issues, envisioned establishing counseling service programs that transcended traditional interventions and preventative measures. One of TADI most successful efforts was the innovative idea of establishing a state-of-the-art pilot program that unites drama and counseling therapy. In 2012, TADI facilitated a “homegrown” approach in the use of improvisational theater techniques as an adjunct to traditional therapeutic strategies. This relationship between drama and counseling has strengthened TADI’s focus on therapeutic counseling.

TADI involves volunteer adult recovering addicts who have experienced street life to educate impressionable young people about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and other self-destructive behavior. This program is an effective means by which recovering addicts develop a personal commitment to change. TADI recognizes the importance of “real life experiences” in building a viable mentoring program.

TADI continues to grow as a dynamic and multi-faceted organization. While many treatment options have been offered since the inception of the organization, the primary efforts have consistently been directed at developing a sound practical program, especially for youth, in keeping with individual goals and societal demands and responsibilities. Its success at home in enhancing interpersonal and problem-solving skills and social and self-confidence is evidenced by the many attempts to duplicate such efforts elsewhere. TADI is aware of its daunting responsibility to help individuals and communities in Texas to negotiate and sustain positive behavioral changes.

TADI is influenced by a strong commitment to community building and a human awareness that is enhanced by caring, concerned, productive citizenship and intentional partnership. TADI promotes programs that underscore cultural awareness as well as personal ownership and responsibility. The organizational environment supports individual and group services to others and ensures a viable code of conduct. TADI expects all of its staff and clients to treat each other with compassion. It provides a model for interactive counseling and educational programs through the use of creative and artistic methods that booster knowledge, self-empowerment, and encourage all participants to appreciate a meaningful focus in life and to dedicate themselves to achieving it. It proposes to use theater as an innovative and captivating outreach and educational tool to engage hard-to-reach populations at-risk of Homelessness. By doing so, TADI is able to build upon its core competencies of culturally appropriate education and arts activities used to heighten the awareness of African American and other minority populations concerning the threat and prevention of Homelessness and substance abuse.

In pursuit of its mission statement, TADI has developed a programmatic strategy that is designed to promote a service climate and supporting structure sufficiently distinctive and strong enough to substantially enhance the organization’s reputation for excellence in service. The nexus between the proposed program and TADI’s mission is defined by three important factors. 

  • One, the character of the target population is central to this endeavor. TADI has established a growing and viable tradition of serving African-American communities that are at risk of sexual violence and substance abuse. Its focus on African-Americans has been influenced by the desire to reach as many politically and socially disenfranchised as possible. TADI has selected an appropriate intervention that emphasizes activities and components that will enhance successfully it campaign to inform, educate and encourage behavior modification in the African-American community.
  • Two, the intent of the proposed program underscores the commitment of TADI to educate through service and simultaneously acknowledge the essence of cultural diversity. Its sensitivity to unique cultural nuances makes it possible to provide prevention services devoid of benevolent arrogance. TADI is clear in its intent to empower its participants, to foster personal responsibility and constructive behavioral changes without compromising the cultural heritage and social history of African-Americans.
  • Three, the proposed program outcome stresses the notion of self-discovery. The intervention used to develop the proposed program reveals that the mission of TADI to serve will provide the target population with education, life skills, outlets for self-expression, and helping individuals develop permanent connections with family or other adults.
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