Street Smart is a program through Visions and Pathways’ Outreach and Prevention Department. Other Outreach and Prevention programs include; Prosperity independent living skills, mentoring, Transitions after-care for youth who have aged out of foster care, Bridge House supportive housing and Village House rental assistance. Street Smart helps. The program serves youth throughout Central and Northern New Jersey.

WHO WE ARE

Our bilingual counselors canvas popular teen hangouts, such as fast-food restaurants, malls, convenience stores and parks. They also work with local schools, churches and police departments to identify teens who may be living on the streets.

STREET SMART reaches out to youth throughout central and northern New Jersey. The program identifies vulnerable youth, meets their basic needs, and connects them with partner resources.

Teams of outreach counselors offer assistance and services 24-hours a day and are also available in emergency situations.

Street Smart is a program of Visions and Pathways. Using a culturally responsive, community-focused and trauma informed approach, Visions and Pathways has helped youth who are experiencing a crisis and their families for more that forty years.
To learn more visit www.visionsandpathways.org

WHO WE SERVE

STREET SMART provides services to:

  • Youth and young adults ages 13 through 21 who are; experiencing a crisis at-home or at school, at-risk of becoming homeless, living in an unsafe environment, homeless, have been or are at high-risk of being sexually abused or exploited.
  • Youth who have been or are at risk of being sexually abused or exploited.
  • Youth who have been or are at risk of being labor exploited.

PROVIDES SERVICES TO

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are 6,871 people living with HIV/AIDS in New Jersey between the ages of 13 and 24.* This is one of the highest rates in the country of persons living with new HIV infections.

*Source: https://www.state.nj.us/health/hivstdtb/documents/stats/hiv/popgroups/state.pdf.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are 8,414 people living with HIV/AIDS in New Jersey between the ages of 13 and 24.* This is one of the highest rates in the country of persons living with new HIV infections.

In 2019, 247 human trafficking cases were reported. 32% of these cases involved minors, which are youth until the age of 17 years old.

WHAT WE DO

Outreach and Prevention Programs

Street Smart Outreach – A street outreach program to help keep youth, ages 13 to 24, off the street, prevent exploitation of high-risk youth, combat human trafficking and stop the opioid epidemic. Services include food and clothing, job and educational counseling, HIV/AIDS information, and access to a crisis-intervention or transitional living program. Street Smart has offices in Plainfield and Morristown, NJ and serves youth throughout central and northern New Jersey.

Prosperity Independent Life Skills program – An in-home visitation program. Adolescents ages 14 to 24 throughout central and Northern New Jersey receive independent-living skills education, career counseling and employment preparation through weekly workshops, access to mentoring groups and one-on-one support.

Transitions Aftercare program – A program that provides services for youth who have been discharged from a Visions and Pathways program and wish you continue receiving support during their transition to permanency. The goal of the program is to prepare youth to become self-sufficient and establish community-based support.

Loving Care Home – Located in Plainfield, New Jersey, LCH is a shelter for young women who are 18 years old and above.  Many of the women are domestic violence victims and human trafficking survivors. The females at LCH work with case managers to work to achieve their goals. They are supervised 24/7 by RA’s and have access to our behavioral dept, arts and rec activities, mentoring sessions and workshops.

Arts and Rec – A program that provides youth with visual and performing arts, recreational, and physical fitness programming to keep them occupied and give them a form of expression. Activities recommenced in July, 2020 and the youth have been enjoying being out again!

Jewells – Jewells mentoring program cultivates the growth of sexually assaulted and at-risk youth by matching them with caring adult mentors in a structed group setting. The program provides assistance to young ladies with becoming socially equipped and empowered.  Jewells is a safe, confidential space where trained mentors collaborate with youth to give them a positive impact as they transition into adulthood and strive to become independent

Volunteers– Our volunteer program is always up and running. During Covid-19, we moved toward virtual volunteer opportunities, but re-opened the agency to have volunteers inside in July. Volunteer opportunities include: mentoring, tutoring, fundraising activities, beautification projects, workshops, and activities with the youth. 

STREET SMART counselors provide:

  • Food, clothing, and blankets
  • Access to shelter
  • Crisis intervention counseling
  • Transportation to services
  • Referrals to health care and social service agencies
  • HIV/AIDS and safe sex information
  • Crisis information
  • Help obtaining vital documents
  • Substance abuse education and information
  • Help finding jobs and housing
  • Street Smart outreach counselors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Several outreach counselors are Spanish speakers.

STREET SMART is funded by the following companies and organizations who help make the work we do for vulnerable youth possible.