About Intersections
Intersections, Inc. is a 501 c 3 not-for-profit organization that has been creating opportunities for change among children and families since 2002. Intersections provides intervention and prevention services that empower young people to become successful in making positive choices, promote healthy living, and foster social responsibility.
Intersections began with a group of teenagers who put feet to their faith to pray for a computer lab that they could access for after school homework. In a matter of weeks, their faith became a reality when the community responded by providing a fully furnished computer lab. Intersections has evolved from an expedition of faith to the implementation of evidence-based programs, and the development of innovative primary prevention models that build on the cultural assets, strength, and positive influence of our youth – creating a new paradigm that young people are a part of the solution.
The Mission
“To make lasting positive differences in the lives of children and families by empowering them to break the mindset of poverty.”
“Stand at the crossroads [intersections] and look…..ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
Intersections was established at a time when juvenile crimes had increased and youth issues such as teenage pregnancy, bullying, suicide, and other risky behaviors plagued our community. Challenges often bring young people at the intersections of life where they are faced with the special task of which way to choose in the midst of everyday pressures.
The mission to break the mindset of poverty is to equip young people with the tools that they need in order to see opportunities instead of despair; potentials in place of emptiness; and healing in the place of brokenness. Programs are designed to increase the belief and commitment in young people that they can achieve their goals, avoid risky behaviors, make responsible choices, and stand firm in their values and beliefs. Accordingly, the programs aim to change the behaviors causing the problem rather than to change the outcomes of the behaviors.
The Vision
Intersections envisions a community where young people are encouraged to develop their God-given potentials in spirit, mind, and body. The leadership and staff members believe that each generation bears the responsibility to build a brighter tomorrow by imparting its knowledge, skills, and wisdom on to the next.
Program Recognition
Intersections has received national awards for its work with vulnerable and underserved communities. In 2008, the organization received the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) Commissioners Award for best practices in youth involvement in the Pacific for producing original plays that are educational and socially-based in order to create awareness of youth and social issues.
In 2011, the executive leadership team was recognized by ANA for its Innovative Approach to Social Development in the Pacific for its recovery efforts during the Tsunami Disaster of 2009 and the production of the video “Storytelling for Healing”. In 2016, Intersections was one of five organizations in the country to be awarded initial funding for the ANA Native Youth Initiative for Leadership, Empowerment, and Development (ILEAD) for the Tupulaga TA’IALA: a positive youth development and peer leadership program.