|
We Plan to Launch Our First Public Ecovillage in the NationOur vision includes that qualified residents (children too) will inherit the right of homeownership—we want to end child homelessness forever! Help Us! We are looking for at least five to ten acres of property with infrastructure, skilled people to use innovation to create a holistic, green, and new living system for those living with trauma and vulnerable challenges.
|
Before mentioning our plans, it is important to point out that YHPE and Y.P.E. are synonymous and are interchangeably used in describing Youthaven Public Ecovillage®. Our plans call for our sojourn homes to be fashionable and sustainable yet small, comfortable living units contrast to typical shelters and temporary or emergency placements found in large urban centers.
We will use ecosphere ethics and shared human values, such as mutual respect and compassion, as the cornerstones of our vision; meanwhile, the staff will coach our sojourners to align their intentions and character with their ultimate aims in life. The vision becomes more practical by helping our youths improve their decision-making, self-discipline, and critical-thinking skills. Finally, we want to prevent poverty by teaching our young learners about wealth management skills and finding healthy solutions to their challenges while modeling the art of voluntary simplicity.
We will use ecosphere ethics and shared human values, such as mutual respect and compassion, as the cornerstones of our vision; meanwhile, the staff will coach our sojourners to align their intentions and character with their ultimate aims in life. The vision becomes more practical by helping our youths improve their decision-making, self-discipline, and critical-thinking skills. Finally, we want to prevent poverty by teaching our young learners about wealth management skills and finding healthy solutions to their challenges while modeling the art of voluntary simplicity.
An Urban Farm to Plate Public EcovillageThe founding board members introduce Youthaven Public Ecovillage® as the first Public Ecovillage, having edible landscapes and an organic urban-farming-to-plate program. We plan to provide green services to our young sojourners, residents, and community stakeholders. We invite the community members to help us creatively solve some of the pressing issues of poverty, food deserts, nutritional hunger, and climate extreme that impacts on the quality of life among those living at, around, or below the poverty level.
|
|
|
GREENING, ENHANCING, AND ENHANCING LIVING SYSTEMS
Helping Each Emerging Generation to SucceedDr. Glenn Kendall, the founder and executive director of this 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, introduces an entirely new intergenerational program based on his Ph.D. study that provides a wide array of recommendations and suggestions to improve services to young people and congregate care to those most in need. The operating principle expands so that each generation reaches back to pull the next generation forward and beyond while helping to preserve the balance of nature and the their immediate environment.
|
The scope of services includes foster care youths, unhoused teens and young people, and abused mothers and their children requiring temporary placements in an eco-friendly environment focusing on healthy eating, nutrition, recycling, and renewable energy. Finally, we are deeply concerned with the International Panel of Climate Change findings documenting the local perils and global impact of a 1.5 degree Celsius temperature increase, which makes Ohio one of the best states to start this initiative. With this view in mind, we will plan our job training and entrepreneurial services around these critically important endeavors.
|
THE HUMACY MODEL
Overview of HumacyHumacy is Dr. Kendall's term for denoting that human nature involves two sets of competing factions that have life-determining consequences. One set involves innately based adverse traits commonly called vices, and the other focuses on our innate ability to do good things, widely called virtues. For virtues to overcome vices, organizations, institutions, and practices must be organized to cultivate what the normative culture at Y.P.E. considers morally right while guarding against disruptive and disrespectful behavior.
|
|
These positions are based on the insights from such essential and foundational thinkers as Alasdair MacIntyre, After Virtue (1981), Dacher Keltner, Born to be Good (2009), and James Behuniak, Jr., Mencius on Becoming Human (2005).
Y.P.E.'s "Humacy Model" is a triangulated approach created to succinctly capture as policy the methodologies, the building of human bridges, and strategies for compassionately improving behaviors and attitudes among its stakeholders, traumatized youth clients and learners at the Youthaven Public Ecovillage®. The essence of humility is to cultivate one's innate and learned virtues to overcome one's base and learned vices. The founder of Youthaven Public Ecovillage®, Dr. Glenn Kendall, coined this term to advance innovative concepts and languages to inform the public, board, and staff about reversing disruptive behaviors and preventing the vulnerabilities that children and families often encounter in poorly resourced communities.
Y.P.E.'s "Humacy Model" is a triangulated approach created to succinctly capture as policy the methodologies, the building of human bridges, and strategies for compassionately improving behaviors and attitudes among its stakeholders, traumatized youth clients and learners at the Youthaven Public Ecovillage®. The essence of humility is to cultivate one's innate and learned virtues to overcome one's base and learned vices. The founder of Youthaven Public Ecovillage®, Dr. Glenn Kendall, coined this term to advance innovative concepts and languages to inform the public, board, and staff about reversing disruptive behaviors and preventing the vulnerabilities that children and families often encounter in poorly resourced communities.
|
THE HUMACY MODEL CONTINUED
Details About HumacyY.P.E.'s philosophy includes the social belief that behaviors frequently follow intentions. Therefore, each person in our intentional community must be responsible for addressing troublesome behaviors and disrespectful communication from within oneself. Meanwhile, adults and trained stakeholders must also discern the hidden motives (intentions) associated with oppositional behavior. By combining these two approaches, addressing oppositional behavior and exposing hidden agendas, all learners recognize that they have management's full support to embrace the organization's non-negotiable norms.
|
At the same time, staff, stakeholders, and peers will teach each other that they have innate capabilities that can be either nurtured or neglected depending on their surroundings, culture, peers, and role models, culminating in positive or negative consequences. Students will learn positive habits and constructive attitudes when staff aids to nurture their abilities appropriately. Suppose they are not aided in this matter. In that case, management runs the risk that the youths will reintroduce the street culture norms into the program, resulting in management no longer being able to sustain the normative culture and humanity—this type of neglect is one of the first steps in funded programs becoming in-compliant with state residential policies. At Y.P.E., management aims to break the negative impact of the street culture that leads to the vicious cycles of victimization, incarceration, violence, and infractions. We plan to meet this challenge by employing and integrating the three aspects of Humacy: Normative Culture, Character Fulfillment, and Restorative Justice. A concise description of each term is below.
Normative culture is most concerned with establishing agreed-upon and responsible norms (expectations) for improving behavior and creating a safe and respectful environment.
Character fulfillment functions as the sacred mandate in which the learners help to realize the full potential of their innate abilities and then align them with their ultimate concerns, their higher grades of character, and their vision.
Restorative justice is a mediation and self-help approach involving primary stakeholders to compassionately address on-site's infractions, violations, and conflicts while closing the key pipelines to prison.
Four Core Strategies at Y.P.E.
A.C.E.D. (Advocacy, Critical Thinking & Communication, Empowerment, and Development) is the grounding of Humacy at Y.P.E. It represents the core findings of Dr. Kendall's Ph.D. research findings to improve the quality of congregate care and services.
Intra-Consequentialism is very different from Utilitarianism. Dr. Kendall uses this term to help youths critically think through their decisions, options, and judgments before taking actions to best determine the consequences or outcomes of their behavior in advance of taking any action.
Nature Has Legal Standing is based on Christopher Stone's (1972) stellar moral argument that the natural environment has legal rights in his book Should Trees Have Standing—Law, Morality, and the Environment (2010). His compelling treatise sparked a worldwide debate that reached the Supreme Court. It serves as one of Y.P.E.'s organizational and philosophical pillars.
The Seventh Generation Precept is our guideline for decision-making involving the sustainable impact human actions have on the natural and social environment, public and individual health, and human and civil rights for future generations.
The Y.P.E. Board recognizes that certain feelings often nurture intentions and impulses that lead to poor outcomes. This mindset forms the basis for cultivating either a good or bad character (set of habits). When the emotions are uncultivated, the propensity is that behaviors are more governed by vices than virtues. When the primary stakeholders properly cultivate their feelings, they will learn to ensure that their behaviors are governed more by virtues than vices. In this manner, an intentional environment can produce mature and responsible adults with the discipline to successfully realize their ultimate concerns in life if the culture supports such processes and their goals. The science for this approach is found in Marc Ian Barasch's (2005) Field Notes on the Compassionate Life—A Search for the Soul of Kindness and in MacIntyre's After Virtue (1981) noted above. Therefore, at Y.P.E., youths will no longer be swayed by negative peer pressure or their own based and often secret desires to harm themselves or others because they will be swayed by the power of what Barasch calls the heart-brain (pp. 128-129, 2005). The diagram below shows our model for "a more harmonious integration of reason and passion" (Barach, 2005, p. 2005).
Normative culture is most concerned with establishing agreed-upon and responsible norms (expectations) for improving behavior and creating a safe and respectful environment.
Character fulfillment functions as the sacred mandate in which the learners help to realize the full potential of their innate abilities and then align them with their ultimate concerns, their higher grades of character, and their vision.
Restorative justice is a mediation and self-help approach involving primary stakeholders to compassionately address on-site's infractions, violations, and conflicts while closing the key pipelines to prison.
Four Core Strategies at Y.P.E.
A.C.E.D. (Advocacy, Critical Thinking & Communication, Empowerment, and Development) is the grounding of Humacy at Y.P.E. It represents the core findings of Dr. Kendall's Ph.D. research findings to improve the quality of congregate care and services.
Intra-Consequentialism is very different from Utilitarianism. Dr. Kendall uses this term to help youths critically think through their decisions, options, and judgments before taking actions to best determine the consequences or outcomes of their behavior in advance of taking any action.
Nature Has Legal Standing is based on Christopher Stone's (1972) stellar moral argument that the natural environment has legal rights in his book Should Trees Have Standing—Law, Morality, and the Environment (2010). His compelling treatise sparked a worldwide debate that reached the Supreme Court. It serves as one of Y.P.E.'s organizational and philosophical pillars.
The Seventh Generation Precept is our guideline for decision-making involving the sustainable impact human actions have on the natural and social environment, public and individual health, and human and civil rights for future generations.
The Y.P.E. Board recognizes that certain feelings often nurture intentions and impulses that lead to poor outcomes. This mindset forms the basis for cultivating either a good or bad character (set of habits). When the emotions are uncultivated, the propensity is that behaviors are more governed by vices than virtues. When the primary stakeholders properly cultivate their feelings, they will learn to ensure that their behaviors are governed more by virtues than vices. In this manner, an intentional environment can produce mature and responsible adults with the discipline to successfully realize their ultimate concerns in life if the culture supports such processes and their goals. The science for this approach is found in Marc Ian Barasch's (2005) Field Notes on the Compassionate Life—A Search for the Soul of Kindness and in MacIntyre's After Virtue (1981) noted above. Therefore, at Y.P.E., youths will no longer be swayed by negative peer pressure or their own based and often secret desires to harm themselves or others because they will be swayed by the power of what Barasch calls the heart-brain (pp. 128-129, 2005). The diagram below shows our model for "a more harmonious integration of reason and passion" (Barach, 2005, p. 2005).
|
THOUGHTS AND IDEAS VS. FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS
Feelings Govern Judgments & Compassion Guides ThoughtSuppose there was a race between feelings and thoughts in your body; which one would win? McCraty's ten years of research show, to his surprise, that "Emotions... are faster than thoughts." The policy implications are enormous (Barach, 2005, p. 128).
|
|
The above image depicts the research finding that our hearts and how we feel are dominant over our thoughts and ideas. Therefore, when an intentional culture promotes compassion and discipline, like the one at Y.P.E., youths will learn that the heart can greatly influence behaviors and actions.
|
Humacy Negative Diamond at YPEThe Negative Diamond has two main facets, the outer and inner. Dr. Kendall further divides the outward aspect into two street-culture statuses: dominant and victim. The diagram represents the face of the culture as seen by the behaviors and actions of learners and stakeholders. The inner facet conceals the hidden impetus of one's feelings, judgments, and actions, giving rise to negative emotions, oppositional thinking, and disruptive behaviors. It is the dark side of one's character and the downward spiral of human nature.
|
AN UPGRADED 501C3 GROUP CARE MODEL
SITE CONTENT
1.5 Degrees Celsius: Danger for Vulnerable Populations Too
The average earth surface temperature was under 0.0 degrees Celsius in 1880 while above 1.0 degrees Celsius in 2020. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scientists, with a very high level of confidence, predict that the average earth surface temperature will exceed even 3.0 degrees Celsius or higher if all governments and societies do not take critical mitigating actions before the earth surface temperature reaches 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius—with 2.0 being the tipping point of no return for centuries to come even with mitigations. Scientists inform us that this increase will result in prolonged heat waves, droughts, decreased global crop production, lifted sea levels, rapidly melted glaciers, reduced rainforest biomass, and extreme and severe temperature and climate fluctuations.
Visit: https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/.
The founder of Y.P.E., along with the board members, is very concerned about the impact that the climate crisis will have on populations that are already living in a crisis mode, especially low-income families, poor people living near seashores, climate refugees, and homeless individuals.
Visit: https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/.
The founder of Y.P.E., along with the board members, is very concerned about the impact that the climate crisis will have on populations that are already living in a crisis mode, especially low-income families, poor people living near seashores, climate refugees, and homeless individuals.
Climate Crisis Means Climate Justice
The 1.5-degree C is the critical threshold that provides "enough heat to push many of the natural systems that sustain us past a dangerous turning point... Once we cross the 1.5-degree line, the decimation of the natural world may be on full display (www.climaterealityproject.org).
|
|
Meet the BoardThe Youthaven Public Ecovillage® Board is being reorganized. The names of the current board members are listed below, and their bios follow:
Orsella Irambona, B.S., Chairperson Dr. Glenn Kendall, Ph.D., MTS, M.Ed., Exec. Director & Founder Jay Hicks, Treasurer Carmela Laya, M. Ed. Secretary & Education Advocate Peter Hartgens, MSW, Clinical Advocate Skai Harris, Youth/Youth Advocate; |
|
Files are coming soon.
Board Bios
|
Dr. Glenn P. Kendall, Ph.D. Executive Director & Founder
Dr. Kendall’s passion has centered on serving children and teens most in need. For this reason, he founded and became the executive director of the Youthaven Public Ecovillage® Throughout his thirty-five years of public service, he only worked for three employers. The last two were the City of New York as its Head Start Contract Manager and ten years later with the National Park Service. He ensured mandated compliance for 12,000 NYC Head Start children. At the federal level, he held positions as the Job Corps Residential Supervisor and Clinical Director in Brooklyn, N.Y., for 225 corps members and the Management Support Advisory in Morristown, N.J. He was a founding board member on several boards, including the Morristown Unity Charter School for Sustainability. In Cincinnati, he volunteered for five years at ProKids as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. In addition, Kendall attended four graduate schools: he qualified for a master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University; he earned a master’s degree from Cambridge College in the area of Humane Education; another one from Drew University in Theological Studies; and a Ph.D. from Union Institute & University in the field of Public Policy and Social Change, concentrating on improving Youth Group Homes. Dr. Kendall was a Ph.D. nominee for the Marvin B. Sussman Doctoral Award. He has been a vegan for over forty years, a certified Reiki Master, and was trained as a Therapeutic Touch by Dr. Delores Krieger of NYU Graduate School of Nursing. |
|
Orsella Irambona, B.S., Chairperson
Orsella Irambona Kendall immigrated to the United States at the age of 14. Fluent in the languages Kirundi and French, she had to quickly learn English while attending Withrow High School, where she graduated salutatorian. Earning an academic scholarship to Northern Kentucky University, she graduated Summa Cum Laude, double majoring in Finance and Business Management, where she was the keynote speaker of the graduating class. Orsella then accepted a position with Kroger’s corporate offices, working her way up to a labor contract analyst, having worked for Kroger since the age of 16 as a cashier. In 2019, Orsella switched paths and took a role with Medline Industries as an analyst supporting the sales team. Her experience at Medline provided her with a deep understanding of supply chain knowledge in the healthcare industry. In 2021, she made the leap of faith and joined Cincinnati’s Children's Hospital as a Sourcing Specialist for medical surgical products, where she is in charge of finding vendors & negotiating contracts. She is the board’s chairperson. |
|
Jay Hicks, Treasurer
After graduating from Elder High School in Cincinnati, Jay studied Information Technology at the University of Cincinnati. He began working for First Financial Bank, starting out as a temp tech support analyst, and advancing his way up to his current role of software architect. In this capacity, he bridges the gaps between technology and business units via integrations and automations. Over the nine years at this bank, he has helped improve multiple departments with the key goal of delivering excellent services for the bank’s customers. The core objective is to help improve proficiency and productivity by designing automation systems and software integrations through computer programming. Through his experience of producing creative designs with Art Works, he has successfully integrated his creative talents with the technological skills to function as the board’s treasurer. |
|
Carmela Laya-Saccardo, M.Ed., Secretary
Education has always been my passion. I believe that every child can learn. I think we must provide the necessary environment, tools, and skills for all children to feel and be successful, despite their circumstances or backgrounds. My name is Carmela Laya; I am an intermediate special education teacher in a self-contained classroom. I work specifically with students with disabilities, including high- to low-functioning autism, occupational defiant disorder (ODD), attention hyperactivity deficit disorder (ADHD/ADD), emotionally disturbed, and students with moderate cognitive and motor functions. I have a master’s in early childhood special education and a strong background in early childhood development. I also have a dual certification in general education for children from birth to 6th grade in both Washington and New York state. My peers who share my own worldview have continuously recognized me as a gifted person with certain spiritual abilities. I have a close affinity for protecting nature using various non-intrusive strategies while also being a Reiki master. |
|
Peter Hartgens, MSW, Clinical Advocate
Peter Hartgens, MSW, Clinical Advocate Helping and providing assistance to inner-city people is a deep passion of mine. In order to gain the knowledge and credentials, I attended and graduated from Columbia University School of Social Work, New York City. Worked as a clinical social worker at La Casita in the Bronx. In this capacity, provided therapy and community services for the agency’s mother and child program that served over forty clients. Designed innovative cognitive therapeutic approaches that were compatible with the diverse Hispanic culture of the South Bronx. I am active with the Friends Society in California as well as serving a pivotal role at my church “without walls.” My experience also extends into the spiritual realm, and I have clinically helped people navigate through what Thomas Moore calls “The Dark Nights of the Soul.” |
|
Skai Harris, Youth Advocate
Dr. Kendall points out that Ira Chaleff (2003) writes that “devoted leaders and followers enter a kind of sacred contract to pursue their common purpose” in The Courageous Follower—Standing up to & for our leaders (p. 89). At Youthaven Public Ecovillage®, the Board wants to make this stance a living reality by having youths sit on the Board of Directors as voting or non-voting members, depending on their age and legal requirements. Skai Harris will be one of three youths to be on the board. She attends the Fordham High School of the Arts, The Bronx, New York, where, as a junior, she is continuing her contemporary and modern ballet from middle school. She is excited to enjoy attending Hip Hop Club after school to expand her dancing repertoire. She also plans to volunteer at the Montefiore Marshall Community Center, where the manager helps community members facing difficult challenges. Her future goals include attending an HBCU to study education and marketing. Skai shared that she desires to learn something new, help others, and provide information that will benefit people, especially younger children. Dr. Kendall recognizes her as mature, dedicated, and willing to help forward the Youthaven Public Ecovillage®’s mission. |
|
Future Home Units
Open for future board membners |