​END-OF-YEAR IMPACT REPORT

John F Kennedy High School 2022-2023

New Life Movement’s Reactions Program

​Our program promotes positive interactions between at-risk youth ages 12-24 and their peers, teachers, employers, and other authority figures, with a focus on identifying and addressing conditions that motivate youth to display disruptive behavioral patterns harmful both to their interpersonal, academic, and professional relationships, as well as to their own personal development. These conditions often include mental illness, substance abuse disorders, anger management challenges, and environmental safety issues that are made worse by the rampant poverty and negative social influences pervasive in many of the neighborhoods in Richmond where our youth participants live.

New Life Movement’s collaboration with John F  Kennedy High School has had a transformative effect, significantly reducing behavior disruptions to record lows within the district. Prior to NLM's intervention, John F  Kennedy High School faced one of the highest rates of disruptive and violent behavior among its student body.

​Through our dedicated efforts and strategic initiatives, we have successfully created a positive and conducive learning environment at John F  Kennedy High School. 

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By implementing tailored programs and fostering a supportive atmosphere, we have played a pivotal role in curbing behavioral issues and promoting a culture of respect and harmony within the school community.

​The remarkable turnaround at John F  Kennedy High School showcases the profound impact of our engagement, underscoring the essential role we play in promoting safe and conducive learning environments for students. Our ongoing commitment to instilling positive values and empowering students has contributed to the remarkable reduction in disruptive incidents, paving the way for academic growth and personal development among the student population.

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Students Served ~846 students

Mediations were focused heavily on communication skills and conflict resolution.

Bendrick’s relationship and rapport with students prevented dozens of fights on campus.

All students in this case went from fighting to not fighting. 
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CONTRIBUTIONS TO NEW LIFE MOVEMENT’S SUCCESS

New Life Movement mentors worked closely with the safety team to improve the overall environment amongst the student body.  Mentors attended Safety and Climate meetings and contributed solutions and strategies to improve campus safety.

Working with the administrative team and safety team helped identify gaps in coverage that the New Life Movement could fill.  NLM was able to expand coverage to include bus stops and other major locations where large bodies of students would congregate.

Mentors also introduced themselves to staff and administration and informed them of their presence on campus and worked collaboratively to address concerns and situations as they arose. 
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Most notably, students confide in Bendrick due to the relationships he has cultivated with the youth in the community.  If students had an inkling that there was tension or a physical altercation could take place, they’d inform Bendrick. Early intervention at its finest; preventative.

Student Testimonials

​“New Life has helped me a lot.  I’ve always been one of those kids who was short-tempered, couldn't stand people.  New life got me out of the streets.  I could’ve been in jail or dead.  They sit down and talk to me, got my mind right.” 

“Taught me how to communicate with people.  I had a short temper, if someone said something to me I’d be ready to fight.  New life is meant to help kids, especially if they are going through something.” - Desmond

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“New life movement has helped me in many beneficial ways, mental ways.  They are all people who have been through stuff like we have been through. Y’all taught me not every action don’t need a reaction.  Some if it’s petty, it don’t be big and it’s not worth losing your life for. You want to continue to grow, and you can’t grow if you let all the bullcrap be on your mind. Without focusing on the real stuff. “

“NLM has affected KHS by helping kids stay out of trouble mostly, and keeping kids feeling like they can talk to staff members and they can enjoy and being safe on this campus b/c there be a lot going on but we still have some of these staff members that not really working with us but we have you guys.”
S. Jones

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