Core Components

CEA's distinctive programming works within four identified life-domains (individual, family, community, school), and is guided by 8 core program components which history and research has shown impact family and community changes for self-sufficiency. In order to work with youth, parents and families to strengthen protective factors for keeping children healthy and well, CEA is focused on serving its participants through these 8 core program components -- Personal Growth & Development, Educational Support, Cultural Enrichment, Economic/Career Exploration, Health and Wellness, Community Service, Recreational Activities, and Family Empowerment.

Empowerment begins when these factors are positively addressed in consistent and resourceful ways. Hence, as a culturally responsive and community-driven social services organization, CEA is accountable for community empowerment through multi-sector collaboration. Using culturally specific approaches that are sensitive to African American history, culture and behavior, CEA's programs and services have a documented history of appeal and effectiveness with diverse African American communities. For example, CEA's highly successful and well attended annual Kwanzaa Celebrations, Black Family Reunion Festivals, Peace in The Hood Basketball Tournaments, Jobs Not Jail Weekend Activities, Community & Educational Forums, Hip Hop Workshops, to name a few, exemplify its ability to galvanize and serve the African American community around common themes and shared cultural experiences.

Accordingly, CEA is focused on providing violence prevention/intervention, an after-school learning center and summer camp programs, truancy prevention/intervention, therapeutic support and human services, social support groups, community outreach, pre-employment and employment skills training, employment for youth and adults, and mentoring and family empowerment services. In part, to address unemployment in the black community, CEA also developed a landscaping and materials removal and hauling program. The CEA Maintenance Group is a business initiative created for the empowerment of qualified community residents for hire in maintaining residential and commercial properties through landscaping, painting, cleaning, and hauling.