Mission, Background and General Information

Touchstone Youth Project, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, was founded in 2002, in order to serve disadvantaged Oklahoma youth through adventure-based education, mentoring, and life-skills cultivation. Over the past six years, more than 310 Oklahoma youth have participated in Touchstone’s youth programs absolutely free of charge.

Through Touchstone Climbing Club, Oklahoma young people are given the opportunity to participate at Rocktown Climbing Gym in the exciting and challenging sport of technical rock climbing. Touchstone Climbing Club provides a safe haven for teens where they can experience inspiration, adventure, and the chance to successfully overcome difficult challenges.

More importantly, Touchstone establishes long-term mentoring relationships between positive adult role models and youth, many who have been involved in Touchstone for more than five years. At Touchstone the focus is on quality and longevity and we are committed to working with each young person on a weekly basis for several years to address needs on many levels, concrete as well as intangible, practical as well as emotional.

In addition, it is Touchstone’s mission to cultivate basic life-skills through education, discussion groups and the practical application of “Touchstone Life Skills” core curriculum. Each week, Touchstone youth are exposed to many practical lessons in life-skills building and given an opportunity to explore values, goals and personal responsibility through guided group discussions that are an integral part of Touchstone Climbing Club.

At Touchstone, it is our goal to make a lasting impact and positively influence the lives of these young people now, while they are young and in need of a helping hand. To broaden their horizons and provide an opportunity for them to think about new options in life. To show by practice and example that thinking positively, doing the right thing, and helping others is a better path. To provide skills that young people can use to make a real and lasting difference in the course of their lives.

HOW DOES TOUCHSTONE WORK?

Youth participants are selected from interested applicants and enter the program. Priority is given to applicants in need. On a weekly basis, the participants and volunteers climb at Rocktown Climbing Gym. Each session focuses on the Touchstone Life Skills and includes a group discussion.


TOUCHSTONE YOUTH REGISTRATION AND ELIGIBILITY

Young people attending Touchstone Climbing Club are referred through public schools and social service agencies who work with Oklahoma children and families in need, including Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma City, Eagle Ridge Institute, Positive Tomorrows, Harding Arts Academy, White Fields – OK Child Welfare Division, and Mid-Del Alternative School.

To be eligible to participate in Touchstone Climbing Club, youth must qualify for free or reduced price school lunch programs or the family’s income must be near poverty level according to the Federal Poverty Income Guideline. Applications are considered and accepted on a first-come first-serve basis.

Taking part in Touchstone Climbing Club is considered a privilege and participants are expected to follow certain guidelines in order to stay in the program. Youth who maintain expectations are eligible to continue participating in Touchstone Climbing Club, at no cost, until they graduate from high school. After high school, these young people are encouraged to continue with Touchstone as mentors.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Students may apply to participate in after-school program. Download Youth Application and return to Rocktown Climbing Gym or Touchstone Youth Project, P O Box 643, OKC, OK 73101.

Contact the Program Manager with any questions at 405-606-1818 or cmgilman@touchstoneyouth.org.

Volunteers may apply to mentor and supervise youth during after-school program. Download Volunteer Mentor Application and return to Rocktown Climbing Gym or Touchstone Youth Project, P O Box 643, OKC, OK 73101. Contact the Program Manager with any questions at 405-606-1818 or cmgilman@touchstoneyouth.org.

Financial support is greatly appreciated. Donors may make tax-deductible donations to Touchstone Youth Project, P O Box 643, OKC, OK 73101.

Copyright ©2008 Touchstone Youth Project
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