NAFI/NFI's unique approach to working with kids and adults has helped many thousands of people at risk become successful, thriving citizens. By participating in "communities within communities," each consumer learns how to integrate positive social skills while gaining self-esteem and practical living skills. The results of these efforts are best depicted in the words of our consumers.

"I learned how to express my feelings in a respectful way and to say respectful things to my mother. I don't get mad as easily anymore. Group helps me a lot. Normative Culture taught me a lot about how to deal with things and people respectfully". (Savannah, age 16)

"This is the longest I have ever stayed at a program… I have been all over the country but this is my home." (adult)

We Were Meant to Live
By a trainee (completed the Youth & Police Initiative with ten police officers in Yonkers, NY

"We were meant to live safely in this world
Not worrying about someone else killin’ us or our family
We were meant to live happy
Where anything could make u smile by jus lookin’ at the world
We were meant to live rich
Whether poor, homeless, or just in poverty
Your family and friends made u rich
We were meant to live as one
Doesn’t matter how rich, how poor, or what color u are we are all human
WE were meant to live in a world where war didn’t exist
We were meant to live sharin’ and caring four each other was the most important
Achievement that u could do and made u feel good when u did
People of earth need to stop bein’ selfish and start caring four one another
Our planet is dying cuz of this
War is the biggest thing killing the planet and each other
Open our eyes and our hearts and you’ll begin to see the light
Don’t be afraid cuz we’re never alone. "

"This program is to help the girls with struggles. I came here as a very stubborn girl, but if you open up you'll be surprised by the great qualities you can leave with. This program has a great "check-in" twice a day to tell your peers and staff how you're doing so they can help. They help you get better". (C., age 14)

"I've been at Stepping Stone for almost seven months. To be honest, I didn't like it when I first got here, but this place isn't for me to like. It's here to help me work on me. You couldn't have told me that when I first got here, but I can tell it to myself now". (M., age 15)

"This program has helped me handle some hard decisions and help me realize how much I can do to help people and myself. I know now how to accept anything that is given to me, whether it is good or bad". (Bradley, age 18)

"Being in this program means that I need to reevaluate my behaviors and beliefs that I had while I was in my regular community. It has given me a positive way of dealing with a situation. They have helped me get my high school diploma and got me in to a vocation technical school". (Jeffrey, age 17)