In over 20 years of working with youth and young adults, we at Gems and Jewel Multi-Cultural Empowerment Center (GJMEC) have observed that most of our youth and young adults do not see themselves in a positive light. They rarely see the value in themselves until someone else shows them they are valued. We’ve observed this situation with students from all socio-economic backgrounds. It may be portrayed that students with limited resources and are in at-risk communities easily succumb to peer pressure, depression, drug use, and bad decision-making; however, that is not always the case. Students from any demographic are subject to low self-esteem and lack self-confidence for many different reasons. It is fair to say that most students at some point feel overwhelmed and are forced to deal with internal as well as external emotional turmoil. When students do not have the proper guidance to deal with the pressures of life, they could possibly make decisions that could result in a negative outcome. GJMEC programs were introduced to promote high self-esteem, self-confidence, positive self-image, good study habits, and good decision-making. When students feel valued and feel good about themselves, they tend to produce better grades, higher GPAs, and continue further in their education.
GJMEC exists to create and facilitate an effective learning experience that will yield increased retention through graduation and beyond. Our youth will become familiar with principles that will help them gain the discipline and confidence necessary to be successful.
Stephanie D. Redmond, Founder/Executive Director