Introduction to Youth Ministries Guided by a prophetic faith, YMPJ's purpose is to transform both the people and the physical infrastructure of blighted South Bronx neighborhoods and change the systems that negatively impact them. Founded in 1994, the mission of Youth Ministries for Peace & Justice (YMPJ) is to rebuild the neighborhoods of Bronx River and Soundview/Bruckner in the South Bronx by preparing young people to become prophetic voices for peace and justice. We accomplish this through political education, spiritual formation, and youth and community development and organizing. Youth Programs Our four centers work together to provide youth leadership and youth development. Youth & Community Organizing Arts for Activism Wellness Education for Liberation Wellness Encourages a holistic approach to health by exposing youth and adult residents to methods of healing that address their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Our program provides the space for: Mental Health Counseling for Young Women Spiritual Formation S.O.P.H.I.A. S.O.P.H.I.A. is a unique space at YMPJ dedicated to the spiritual wellness and development of young women. The young women come together to heal and empower each other as they come of age in the South Bronx and become agents of change in the community. Strategy for Transformation We conduct our work through a three- pronged transformative approach: Transform People Transform Systems Transform Infrastructure. We utilize a unique model of political education, spiritual formation, and youth and community development and organizing. Sophia Education Self- Awareness Healthy Women Organize Transformation Effect S.O.P.H.I.A. Community S.O.P.H.I.A. is a supportive and sustaining community. The young women are building: Safe space for disclosure and fellowship An environment for a conclusive power analysis Political Education Peer MentoringCounseling Healing Spiritual Formation Sophia (safe space) Through S.O.P.H.I.A., we educate and inspire young women within the same setting. Then these young women teach the other youth that attend the program. As a result, both groups are able to educate and have an impact in the larger community. S.O.P.H.I.A. Module Contact Information: Youth Ministries for Peace & Justice 1384 Stratford Avenue Bronx, NY Tel: (718) Fax: (718)