Program Helps Teens Change Lives

NorthJersey.com (Hackensack, NJ): FLIP, Future Lives Initiative Program, opened its doors in January 2002. Now under new management, FLIP includes Tony Montanez as director. Montanez, who has a background in psychology, leads a team of counselors, mentors, social workers and volunteers who have a passion for working with youth. FLIP is one of only two programs in the county that provide alternatives to incarceration for youth, according to Montanez. About 10 of 40 youths have graduated from FLIP in the past four years. Six youths are currently entering the aftercare part of the program. Archie Burrell is the senior youth mentor at FLIP. This past Tuesday, he led a life skills workshop on cultural sensitivity, part of a highly structured daily schedule for FLIP participants. "The biggest challenge for these kids is not to get locked up again," Burrell said. He said FLIP provides an extended family for the youth. "This program is run 8 to 7 o'clock physically." But their work doesn't end when the day is over. He said mentors routinely get calls from the kids. Besides life skills, FLIP participants' weeks consist of high school, group therapy, individual counseling, supervised recreation, substance abuse awareness and anger management classes.