Separating a troubled past from a bright future

When asked what change others would notice in a young man upon completion of the Melbourne Center for Personal Growth for At-Risk Youth program, a one-word reply followed: “RESPECT.”

Since 1988, AMIkids Space Coast has helped juveniles find their path through a personal growth model of behavior modification, alternative/vocational education, and specialized treatment. Founded in 1969 by Judge Frank Orlando, he grew tired of the same kids coming through his courtroom with very similar backgrounds. He began offering opportunities for kids to work with rewards based off personal efforts and appropriate behavior, in the hopes of breaking the cycle of failure and poverty. 

The Associated Marine Institute, or AMI, was born.

Today, AMI includes more than 44 programs in 10 states, serving boys age 13-18. The goal-oriented program takes about six to nine months to complete and is earned through a series of ranks: recruit, seaman, first mate, second mate, chief, and ensign.

Executive Director Cedric Cliatt shared his pride in the nearly 20 GEDs awarded to his students in 2019, and the more than 150 total — a result of the support of an incredible staff that provides tools the boys need to find success after completion of the program.

“They are going to apply to five or six jobs in their area before leaving us. And we’re going to assist them with gaining interviews through onsite training, so when they go home, they stay strong with their education and gain employment to take care of themselves and their families.”

The facility, which is privately funded, can serve up to 32 youth at once. Mental health treatment through personal, family, and group counseling is part of the trifecta at AMI to bolster self-worth and ensure greater levels of success. Substance abuse, anger management, anger replacement therapy, and boys counseling groups are among some of the treatments to turn troubled teens into successful young men. 

The process engages thinking about how their actions affect themselves, their families, and those they’ve wronged, in an effort to teach empathy.

“Nowadays with kids part of the ‘Me’ generation, I think it’s very good to have a group that focuses on stepping outside themselves and seeing life from a different perspective to open their eyes,” added Cliatt. “We have seen a more challenging population over the years. However, to still remain successful is a testament to the system we have in place and also the staff we have in place.”

Dorms hold 16 beds and each boy is part of a crew. Uniforms and towels are laundered daily by the laundry crew. Meals are prepared and served by the food handler certified kitchen crew. Rec crew keeps water pitchers filled all day and cleans up all recreation equipment. These tasks are rewarded with points that can be traded in for privileges such as going to the movies or restaurants. A similar point system exists for behavior modification, either below, on point, or above expectations.

A typical day in the life of a boy living at AMI is structured. At 6:30 a.m., the kitchen and laundry crews get started. Boys get up at 7a.m. and have three minutes to get dressed and make their beds. The boys visit the group bathroom, finish getting ready, and clean the bathroom according to their assigned duties. 

They gather around the flagpole to pray, say the pledge, and recite their creed, enjoy breakfast, and begin their school day. At 3:20 p.m., they line up by ranks and share their Daily Positives — one positive thing they’ve experienced that day. They change into rec uniforms, head outside until dinner, shower, and then read for 45 minutes, followed by a few free hours to play games before lights out around 9 p.m.

A board of directors supports AMI through organizing fundraisers and opportunities for the boys to serve the community, including their 32nd Annual $10,000 Reverse Drawing Fall Fundraiser emceed by Sheriff Wayne Ivey, with donations from various restaurants and businesses throughout the community. This self-funded campus is one of the only in the state that provides services for the Department of Juvenile Justice to own its own facility without using taxpayer dollars. Through grants and donations, the young men who graduate the program are able to receive assistance for up to 12 months, to include secondary education aid.

The property is their home while in the program. They mow the grounds, clean the campus, do the laundry, and work in the kitchens, like they would in a healthy home environment.

“We’re not trying to teach kids how to survive in prison,” Cliatt said. “We’re trying to teach them how to survive in reality.”

Danielle Jewett, the career coordinator, shared how well the boys give back to the community through various outreach and volunteer work to benefit other nonprofit organizations. 

“They learn how to take care of someone other than themselves,” she said. “They learn how to take care of the community and care about how it looks. This is their home and they do a darn good job at it.”

Through tight structure, dedicated staff, involved board of directors, and community involvement, AMIKids is providing tools to change the trajectory of troubled youth in Brevard. From offenders with no hope to responsible and productive citizens, these boys learn to care for their surroundings, for themselves, and for others through RESPECT.

Due to COVID-19, the fall fundraiser has been postponed to the spring of 2021. Donations to offset this hiatus may be mailed to: 1000 Inspiration Lane, Melbourne, FL 32934.

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