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The Founder

The Ujima Foundation was founded on January 10th of 2005 by Dr. J. G. Arndell - Psy.D and is managed by Dr.J Enterprises

The Foundation is registered at The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce with registration # 81266-0. The foundation is partially subsidized by the government of St. Maarten and is supported by various individuals, businesses and donations.

Since opening the doors of their Residential Therapeutic Facility in February 16 of 2007, Ujima has worked with a large variety of "At Risk Boys" and their families. Ujima continues to create a sense of purpose and belonging in their lives as they are groomed into productive members of society.

In Addition to Ujima's Residential Program, as of 2015 Ujima also established a "Day Treatment Program" (Afters school hours) that also caters to the needs of "At Risk Boys" who are not enrolled into the Residential Program.

 

Objective

To operate a 24 hour residential therapeutic program for  10 “at risk” young males ages 8-14 who have been diagnosed with an emotional or behavioral disorder, in collaboration with an "After-school Day Treatment Program" ages 8-14 as well.

 

Population

The population includes youth with the following conditions but not limited to:

  • Depression
  • Conduct disorders
  • First and minor offenders
  • Drugs and alcohol addiction
  • Runaways
  • Emotionally abused
  • Sexually abused
  • Mild Psychiatric diagnosed youth

 

Duration of the program:

The duration of the therapeutic program is a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 12 months. The length of stay in the program is determined by an individualized treatment plan based on the needs of each client.

 

Referral based

The Ujima facility is open to referral from a variety of organizations. 

 

Goals

The overall goals of the Ujima Therapeutic Facility are:

  • To adequately diagnose and treat emotionally and behaviorally disturbed youths ages 8-14 years males and females.
  • To matriculate at risk youths back into the society as psychologically healthy and emotionally stable individuals.
  • To decrease repetitive delinquent behavior and criminal activity among the high risk youths.
  • To help them develop adequate coping skills, problem-solving skills as well as a healthy development of self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • To help them develop a sense of safety, belonging, self-worth, trust and understanding from family members and the community.
  • To develop and re-enforce positive family dynamics and to teach adequate parenting skills.
  • To help develop a sense of spirituality and a connection to a higher power.