Pursuing Excellence.
Welcome to The Pursuit Center, where our mission transcends boundaries to shape the destinies of young males aged 12 to 17 in Shelby County. In the face of daunting statistics and entrenched cycles of recidivism, we stand as a beacon of hope, dedicated to rewriting narratives and fostering pathways to redemption. The Pursuit Center; fearlessly pursuing excellence.
The Why
Last November, the Memphis Shelby County Crime Commission's report revealed a startling 42% surge in juvenile arrest rates, citing 151 aggravated assault charges, 124 carjacking charges, and 96 aggravated robberies against juveniles in 2022. At the Pursuit Center, we are unwavering in our dedication to combat recidivism head-on. Through our unparalleled collaboration between Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Memphis & Shelby County Juvenile Court, and Shelby County, we initiate fresh cohorts of students every 30 days, presenting a potent chance for transformation, impacting lives one student at a time.
TPC INITIATIVES
EQUINE THERAPY
Every Friday, we spend the day at Southern Blues, focusing on rider education, the history of the equestrian sport, and equine therapy. This therapeutic approach offers numerous benefits including increased trust, reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced self-esteem and social skills, improved impulse control and problem-solving abilities, and better communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal.
CULINARY ARTS
On Thursdays, cohort members embark on a journey to the South Memphis Farmers Market, where they indulge in two-hour instructional sessions led by a certified cooking instructor. These sessions are designed to empower individuals with essential skills in nutrition and smart grocery shopping.
FARM TO TABLE
Cohort members get to extend their culinary adventure with our Farm to Table program. TPC cohorts get to explore local farms and harvest seasonal vegetables while cultivating not just delicious dishes, but a deeper understanding of sustainability and community.
MAKING MEN
Making Men initiative is a comprehensive program designed to empower young men through hands-on craftsmanship, group counseling, and holistic wellness practices. From mastering practical skills to fostering emotional intelligence through art therapy and conflict resolution, participants embark on a transformative journey toward personal growth and resilience.
OPERATION S.E.E.(SEE)
SEE = Skills, Experiences, Exploration -Operation SEE, is our immersive exposure program designed to broaden horizons and ignite passions. Cohort members delve into diverse occupations, house-flipping tours, podcasting, and social media monetization, while also indulging in new experiences via yoga, hiking, camping, and cultural explorations at museums and art galleries.
MEMPHIS LIBRARY PARTNERSHIP
Our library partnership offers cohort members a dynamic platform for growth! Through engaging speaker sessions, soft skills training, immersive STEM experiences, Virtual Reality, and comprehensive tours of library resources, participants embark on a journey of skill-building and exploration, enhancing their capabilities for success in today's dynamic world.
TPC Leadership
Toria T. Brown
Manager/The Pursuit Center
Carson Knowlton
Advisor/The Pursuit Center
