I.C.A.N
ICAN is a high-quality, out-of-school-time program that empowers youth to be accountable for their futures. Founded to provide nurturing guidance to and activities for Chandler youth, ages 5 – 18, ICAN offers after-school and summer/intersession programs which foster positive attitudes while discouraging destructive behavior.
Participants in our programs achieve significant, positive lifestyle changes including, gains in leadership, social competency skills and self-confidence. These new found skills enable ICAN youth to resist the pressure to use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs as well as provide a positive alternative to violence and gang-related activities.
While the majority of our participants are from Chandler, youth from other areas of the Valley are welcome to participate. All program services and activities are free of charge including transportation to and from our location (within the Chandler area) and healthy snacks for all program participants.
History
Gang violence. Drugs. Juvenile delinquency. In Chandler? Not possible, most would say. Yet Henry Salinas came face-to-face with this growing problem each day he drove through his Chandler neighborhood. Certainly someone, some agency was taking responsibility to monitor and clean up these gang-infested, redevelopment areas? Sadly, the problem went unaddressed. Henry decided enough was enough.
In 1991, Henry and his volunteers took to the streets, offering these troubled youth an alternative to a life of apathy and despair. These kids needed help. Help dealing with the extensive pressures facing them – living in poverty, dealing with friends who use illegal drugs, being pressured to join a gang, and all the challenges associated with living in a single-parent family.
Our Programs
Our programs are developed specifically to help the kids and families in our community. Their challenges, their goals and their unique needs. Risk factors facing our community include substance abuse, delinquent behaviors and family structure challenges. ICAN understands the community’s immediate needs and has created research-based programs designed to reduce the risks that most greatly influence daily lives. Our programs are free. Our staff are competently qualified. Our facility secure.
Mission
ICAN provides free, comprehensive out-of-school-time programs that empower youth to be productive, self-confident and responsible citizens.
Vision
Chandler youth will live in a safe, drug free community with equal access to quality programs that promote their academic and personal success.
Values
- Youth of our community
- Success of youth in their academic and personal lives
- Safe program space for youth to learn and grow
- Quality out-of-school-time programs that are accessible to all families
- Caring, competent staff and volunteers who model respect for self and others through age appropriate and culturally relevant programming
- Importance of play and positive relationships in developing youth
- Safe and drug free communities for youth and families
- Being responsive and accountable to the community that we serve
To View the I.C.A.N. Website and learn more about this Community Program Click HERE
