June 9, 2020 (York, PA) – Anne Clark, Director of Community Outreach for Lincoln Charter School announces LINCOLN CHARTER SCHOOL WILL PARTNER WITH YORK COUNTY YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAMS (YAP), Inc. to present DRUM POWER! The Lincoln Charter School Board of Directors approved York County YAP to teach Drum Power to students attending the school.
YAP, which partners with social services and youth justice systems to provide community-based alternatives to out-of-home placements, has used Drum Power as a group drumming and empowerment program for youth who face complex issues. At Lincoln Charter School, adhering to social distancing guidance, the program will serve students ages 10 to 18 who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); oppositional defiant disorder (ODD); self-harming behaviors; anger management issues; difficulties with impulse control and regulating emotions; and other behavioral health challenges.

The short-term goals of the program are to reduce depression, anxiety, anger, violent and self-harming behaviors, and truancy; and increase self-esteem, resilience, focus, discipline, and empathy. The long-term goals of the program are to decrease violence in schools, homes, and neighborhoods in York County.

The program will be informed by YAP’s philosophy of care, which includes unconditional care, implementing positive youth development principles and a strength-based approach, providing culturally competent, trauma-informed care, mentoring and role modeling from trained staff.

The Lincoln Charter School and the York County Office of Children, Youth & Families will make referrals to the Drum Power program.
School Social Worker Solita Day advocated for the collaboration and worked closely with YAP Program Director Natasha Kara and YAP Mobile Therapist/Behavioral Specialist Consultant Peter Scheer to apply for funding through a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).

“We are very excited to begin this empowerment program and look forward to a continued relationship with the Youth Advocate Program,” Day said.

The program will be implemented in ten-week cycles and will be provided year-round for the proposed two-year project period. Each ten-week cycle will include two-hour group sessions that incorporate learning and practicing West African drumming. Sessions will be held after school during the school year and during the summer at a day and time that is convenient for participating youth and their families. Each group cycle can serve 8-12 youth.

The first 10-week session will take place during Lincoln Charter School’s Summer Learning Program. Lincoln Charter School has had a long-standing relationship with the YAP Behavioral Health Rehabilitative Services and looks forward to supporting youth through the newly formed Drum Power program. To learn more visit the website: Youth Advocate Programs Inc

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