The Noble Path Foundation (TNPF) is a 501(c)(3) located in San Clemente, CA and founded in 2013. Our mission is to raise awareness on the importance of healthy lifestyle choices for young people, via free programs centered around enrichment, education and socialization. From music lessons and improv workshops to fitness classes and arts and crafts, our curriculum is centered around inclusivity and cooperation, and fosters healthy engagement and opportunities for self-improvement.
One of our most popular programs is a 7-week wellness series called AIM High. The AIM acronym stands for Advocacy, Inspiration and Mentorship and we pair small groups of students with speakers who are the leading experts in their respective fields on a variety of important topics. For example, the OC Sheriff’s Department presents on trending drug cultures; Laura’s House helps them identify the warning signs of unhealthy relationships; our LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) and clinical psychologist share their knowledge on dealing with stress and provide tips on coping skills; TNPF registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) Melissa Mathes separates fact from fiction when it come to nutrition; and the Wellness & Prevention Center shares their knowledge and expertise on social media dangers and self-esteem.
Other life-skill topics may include financial literacy, basic first aid, car care, or even cooking – and we always cap the series with a presentation on leadership and a ‘graduation’ ceremony where each participant is awarded a Certificate of Achievement from both state and local civic leaders and representatives. Upon reflection, the vast majority of all our attendees will list not only the valuable lessons they learned as their favorite part of the past seven weeks, but also the bonds made with both peers and presenters.
I believe the success of ALL of our programs is due largely in part to the mentor/mentee relationships that are formed through interaction with a common interest. It’s telling that many of our high school graduates and AIM High alumni return to help serve as peer models for the younger students following in their footsteps. I can see firsthand the influence that positive mentoring can have in shaping behaviors and promoting more thoughtful decision making.
In a world where children are constantly bombarded with images and stereotypes that go against the grain of desirable outcomes, a mentor can be another layer of protection against the challenges they face on a daily basis. The risk of falling into the wrong crowd when searching for connection or acceptance is a concern pretty much every parent has as they watch their child navigate their roadmap into young adulthood. Studies have shown that people who had mentors while they were young experienced a wide variety of benefits, both while in the mentoring relationship and after it ended. These benefits manifested themselves in stronger relationships, higher self-esteem and confidence, reduced risk of addiction, lower dropout rates, better school performance, and improved behavior at home.
A solid mentoring relationship can also help children and teens see themselves accurately, by helping them to recognize and be aware of their strengths and accomplishments. The friendships they build with mentors helps them avoid high-risk behavior and makes them less susceptible to negative influences and substance abuse. When a relationship is nurturing and centered around respect, the mentor can help guide them toward making the best choices for the future, giving them their best shot at achieving their highest potential.
Our programs are free to teens ages 13 and above and are endorsed by educators, pediatricians, mental health professionals, law enforcement and members of the CUSD Board. We provide a comforting, safe, and secure space where they can form these healthy relationships, and hang out and be themselves without fear of judgment, bullying, or negative influences.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Cindi Juncal at 949.981.4998 or visit our website at www.TheNoblePathFoundation.org.
Cindi is President and Founder of The Noble Path Foundation, a 501(c)(3) located in San Clemente, CA, dedicated to helping the youth of our communities reach their highest potential via healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices, safe and fun social activities, and motivational mentoring. The Noble Path Foundation is a member of the Wellness & Prevention Coalition – a Drug Free Communities Coalition – join our meetings the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 3:30 PM in the Board Room at the Outlets At San Clemente. email Leslie@wpc-oc.org for more information.