Kirk Dudley’s Story

Kirk Dudley pictureI was always a disciplined student and athlete until I had an unfortunate incident at college which involved a confrontation with another student. As a result of this incident, I was placed on probation which led me to NYCID’s ARCHES program.  Thanks to this program I have learned several coping and problem solving skills that will help me succeed in the future. My goal is to enter the Air Force and my experience with Arches and the mentors that have helped me will go a long way in making my goals and aspirations come true.

NYCID’s Arches program is considered to be a "Transformative Mentoring" program where intensive relationship building is promoted to inspire young adults to transform the attitudes and behaviors that have led to negative identity, antisocial attitudes, and criminal behavior.

The core components of Arches include:

  • A group process where the members become an important support system for each other.

  • A curriculum delivered by culturally appropriate mentors.

  • A setting that incorporates positive values, principles and practices.

The group process is central to Arches. It provides an opportunity for the participants to self-examine certain attitudes and behaviors that may be keeping them entangled in the criminal justice system. Arches participants gain a better understanding of personal responsibility, enhance their social skills, improve their relationships, develop their self-esteem, and improve their problem-solving skills.

Participants must be 16 to 24 years of age and referred to the program by their Probation Officer. Over a period of six months participants will transform many of their thoughts and behaviors and will be linked with jobs, internships and other self-help opportunities. Participants are also given stipends, Metro Cards, hot meals and participate in a curriculum that utilizes Interactive Journaling throughout the duration of the program.

To help our students succeed please attend our 2014 Annual Benefit. Join the New York Center for Interpersonal Development on May 1st to raise money to help thousands of community members. The NYCID will hold its annual benefit, "Strengthening Relationships and Building Community," on Thursday, May 1st from 6 PM to 9 PM, at the Hilton Garden Inn’s Tea House Garden.