OUR MISSION

The Determination Center provides innovative services to at-risk youth in Syracuse, NY. We strive to enhance the lives of those we serve. We support and collaborate with our kids, enabling them to be more self-directed and self-motivated. We help them construct healthy, independent, productive, stable lives.

Mrs. Bettie Graham, Founder and Director of The Determination Center

Mrs. Bettie Graham, Founder and Director of The Determination Center

Sometimes the best place to find out who you are is to go to a place where you don't have to be anyone else...

THE DETERMINATION CENTER: A SAFE SPACE FILLED WITH LOVE, GUIDANCE, AND HOPE.

Vision

We envision a Syracuse where every at-risk youth is empowered to build a bright future, overcome barriers, and thrive as confident, motivated, and active members of the community.

OUR SLOGAN

Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities

 wHY THE DETERMINATION CENTER eXIST:

To Empower At-Risk Youth: The Determination Center’s core mission is to empower at-risk youth to build brighter futures. It focuses on helping them overcome barriers, develop essential life skills, and become confident, motivated, and active members of their communities.

To Provide Comprehensive Support: The center offers a wide range of services, from academic support and mentoring to life skills training and social services. By addressing the diverse needs of young people, it aims to provide holistic support that contributes to their overall wee-being and success.

To Foster Resilience and Self-Confidence: The Determination Center is committed to fostering resilience and self-confidence in youth. Through partnerships with local organizations, schools, universities, and social services, the center resources that its participants have access to the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.

To Create a Brighter Future for the Community: The center believes in the power of collaboration and community engagement to create meaningful change. By working closely with local partners, the Determination Center strives to strengthen the community and ensure that every young person has the chance to succeed.

In essence, the Determination Center exists to be a beacon of hope and a source of strength for at-risk youth, helping them navigate challenges and build fulfilling, independent, and productive lives. We provide guidance and support through mentorship, educational and recreational programs, and housing assistance. Our goal is to empower young people to make positive changes in their lives and reach their full potential.

The Determination Center: Our Community Partners

At The Determination Center, we believe in the power of collaboration to make a meaningful impact in the lives of at-risk youth. Our partnerships with key organizations in Syracuse help us provide comprehensive, innovative, and effective services. Below is an overview of our valued partners:

Syracuse City School District (SCSD):

  1. We partner with the Syracuse City School District to support educational success for at-risk youth. Through this collaboration, we provide academic tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment programs that align with the district’s curriculum. This partnership ensures our participants have the tools and resources they need to thrive in school and beyond.

  2. Syracuse University:

    Our partnership with Syracuse University brings valuable resources and expertise to our programs. We collaborate on research, training, and community engagement initiatives to enhance our services. Syracuse University students and faculty provide mentorship, tutoring, and educational workshops, enriching the lives of the youth we serve.

  3. Department of Social Services (DSS):

    Working closely with the Department of Social Services, we connect families and youth to essential social services, including housing support, food assistance, and healthcare resources. This partnership helps ensure that our participants have access to the comprehensive support they need to achieve stability and well-being.

  4. Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth:

    Berkshire Farm Center, a leading foster care agency, collaborates with us to support youth in the foster care system. Together, we provide specialized programs that promote emotional well-being, life skills, and a sense of community for foster youth. This partnership is key to helping young people navigate the challenges of foster care and transition to independence.

  5. Office of Children and Family Services )OCFS):

    Our partnership with the Office of Children and Family Services enhances our ability to provide high-quality, evidence-based programs that align with state standards. We work with OCFS to implement initiatives that promote safety, resilience, and personal development for at-risk youth.