simba.

SIMBA, which stands for the Saturday Institute for Manhood Brotherhood Actualization, is a Violence Intervention Program for high risk youth and incarcerated youth.  SIMBA means "Young Lions". SIMBA's goal is to provide a human service intervention program that addresses the high death rate of minority males due to violence and other healthcare factors such as substance abuse and AIDS.

The program seeks to build resiliency in young males through health education, cultural awareness and participation in the aesthetic arts.

Our Objectives

  • Health

    • To increase healthy, lifestyle choices

    • To increase coping skills

    • To increase strategies for violence reduction

  • Vocational & Career Development

    • To increase employment competencies and job readiness skills

    • To increase job opportunities and provide vocational follow-up training

    • To increase entrepreneurship skills

  • African-American History

    • To build self-esteem

    • To increase self-discipline

    • To improve racial and human relationships

  • Aesthetic Arts

    • To increase aesthetic art talents in video, photography, silk screening, music, art and drama

    • To provide a channel for positive, creative expression

    • To increase employment and entrepreneurship skills in the field of art.

Our outcomes

  • 75% increase in conflict resolution skills

  • 75% Increase in stress management

  • 70% increase in anger triggers/cues

  • 70% increase increase in communication skills

  • 80% attendance rate

national recognition

SIMBA has received the Governor's Exemplary Award and is a member of the National Network of Violence Practitioners.

In January 1994, SIMBA was aired on the Oprah Winfrey Show special on "Violence and Males".
SIMBA youth and staff pose for picture with Oprah Winfrey.