At Akoma Unity Center, we believe in equipping scholars with the tools to lead, heal, and transform their communities. Our Drug and Alcohol Awareness Prevention Program (ADAPP) is a culturally responsive prevention initiative designed to promote scholars’ mental health, leadership, and advocacy through education, the arts, and certification-based training.
ADAPP brings together several youth-centered programs including:
Teen Mental Health First Aid Responders (tMHFA)
A nationally recognized program that empowers scholars (ages 12–18) to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their peers.
- What to Expect:
- Weekly interactive training led by certified facilitators
Skill-building sessions focused on how to seek help for self and friends - Engaging lessons that help youth understand the science behind mental health and reflect on their own emotional well-being
- Youth-led “kickback” sessions where teens can hang out, connect, and have fun in a positive and safe environment
- Graduation and certification celebration
- Weekly interactive training led by certified facilitators
- Benefits to Your Scholar:
- Official National Certification in Teen Mental Health First Aid
- Leadership experience and real-world application
- Stipends and Incentives
- Letters of recognition and certificates of achievement from local elected officials
- A safe space for scholars to express themselves and build a network of support
Youth Photo Voice Project
This powerful storytelling and activism initiative teaches scholars to document the environmental, emotional, and cultural conditions of their communities through photography.
- Scholars receive mentorship in digital arts and media
- Youth-led campaigns that raise awareness on local health and justice issues
- Final presentations are shared with community stakeholders and civic leaders
Our Partners
Local: Congressman Pete Aguilar, CA District 29 Senator Eloise Gomez-Reyes, Assemblyman James Ramos for the 45th District, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Board of Education Dr. Gwedolyn Dowdy-Rodgers, Superintendent of REAL Journey Academies Dr. Rose Ann Bomentre, Chief of Equity and Access for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cherina Betters, Supervisor Joe Baca, Rialto Unified School District Board President Dr. Stephanie E. Lewis, San Bernardino City Councilmember Dr. Treasure Ortiz
Statewide: Sierra Health Foundation, Elevated Youth CA
National & Federal: National Council for Mental Wellbeing
