The Almansor Center Taking Charge^TM Mentoring Program provides a practical approach to working in partnership with children and youth to re-engage them in school through enhanced self-esteem, increased learning potential, and identifying strategies needed for success in the classroom and life. Taking Charge^TM is designed for children and youth who are at-risk for truancy, failure in school, and delinquency. Youth ages 7–18 years are referred to the Taking Charge^TMprogram by teachers, probation officers, counselors, courts, parents, and other concerned individuals. Self-referrals are also accepted. The program is funded through the Los Angeles County Probation Department and is provided at no cost to participants.

The Almansor Center Taking Charge^TM Mentoring Program
625 Fair Oaks Avenue
South Pasadena, California 91030
Tel: 323.341.7775
Fax: 323.257.0284

The Taking Charge Principles

Four principles form the foundation for the program design:

• The key to successful re-engagement in school is a young person’s personal decision to do well.
• A youth’s perception of him or herself as capable of success is an important factor in their decision to do well.
• Positive self-esteem is the result of taking specific action toward self-determined goals.
• Appropriate action emerges in partnership with a committed mentor.