African American Men of Unity (AAMOU) is an Aurora, Illinois 501(c) (3), community-based organization with a wealth of experience in serving disadvantaged youth at risk of all ethnicities. Founded in 1999, AAMOU’s mission is to "implement programs that are innovative, effective holistic practices in solving individual, family and community problems."
Our core objective is to educate youth to avoid gangs, drugs, violence, school failure and to lower dropout rates. As well as helping youth obtain efficient tools to make better decisions, stand firm against negative peer pressure and become contributing members of society. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," in essence, being proactive is better than reactive or intervention.
Our strategy is to be the positive role model and father figure to youth at risk and guide them through each stage of development: childhood, puberty and adolescence to cultivate future leaders.
1. Rites of Passage (ROP) our signature program, provide leadership development and manhood training for youth at risk ages 7-18 without a father figure. Participants receive encouragement, structure, and access to positive role models that motivate and inspire youth to reach academic proficiency, social maturity and emotional stability.
2. Project Safe Summer Basketball (PSSB) violence prevention, recreational program for youth at risk ages 9-16, during the summer months. Participants learn fundamentals of basketball (dribbling, defense, discipline, character and teamwork...) and receive mentoring in life skills.
3. Jobs for Youth Violence Prevention program (JYVP) primary component is designed to supply job training, employability skills, financial literacy and work based experience to youth at risk ages 14-21 to improve job readiness, strengthen employment potential and establish banking relationship.
4. Back to School Fair over 300 students K-12 belonging to low income families received backpacks, pencils, paper, binders, one, three or five subject notebook, glue stick, scissors etc.... So that students start the school year equipped with adequate school supplies necessary to pursue academic excellence.
5. Cultural Enrichment & Civic Leadership: Both, Juneteenth and Kwanzaa are culminating events which bring the whole community together to celebrate family, community, culture and the outstanding accomplishments of our participants. Youth participants play a major role in planning these civic leadership projects, which have the goal of improving community cohesion, strengthening commitment to family, empowering youth and adults to excel and reduce violence.