Led by the City of Aurora's Original Aurora Renewal Division (OAR) and implemented by The Mile High Council/Comitis Crisis Center, the "Power Up: Keeping it Real" program provides family-focused interventions to Aurora youth who are at high risk of truancy, gang involvement and criminal behavior. The target population is adolescents ages 11-17 and their families who live in or around Original Aurora. Youth served by this project will be primarily referred by the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC), Aurora Police Department's School Resource Officers and Gang Intervention Unit, Aurora Public Schools and the courts.

Youth enrolled in the program along with their families will receive a combination of evidence-based interventions, including Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and individual mentoring. Expected outcomes are expected to include reduced truancy and justice system involvement and increased participation in pro-social activities.

Our Goals

To expand the "Power Up" program, enhance community awareness, and sustain services for youth at high risk of truancy/criminal behavior.

Reduce youth's justice system involvement and improve functioning in families served by the "Power Up" program.

Extend family's awareness of additional community resources, increase youth involvement in education and other pro-social activities.

OUR PARTNERSHIP

The current partnering agencies that make up the Power Up collaborative include 1) The Mile High Council/Comitis Crisis Center; 2) Aurora Police Department; 3) Original Aurora Renewal; 4) the Juvenile Assessment Center; 5) OMNI Institute; 6) Aurora Public Schools; 7) Friends for Youth; 8) Juvenile Probation; and 9) Arapahoe County Social Services.