What Makes Us Unique?

We strive for systemic, long-term change.

The Ophelia Project's school and community-based services are not a "quick fix" for the problems our children face today. Our mission focuses on long-term cultural change, which can be achieved by standing up against destructive social norms that perpetuate the cycle of covert aggression in children, youth and adults.

We recognize the urgency of targeting low levels of aggression.

We believe that violence occurs on a continuum, with something as seemingly harmless as eye-rolling on one end and school shootings and suicide on the other. The Ophelia Project focuses on the low end of the violence continuum by targeting relational aggression - destructive behavior that is intended to hurt someone by harming their relationships with others. Without prevention or intervention efforts, relational aggression can inflict major psychological damage on all people: children, youth and adults.

We train youth as leaders.

We recognize that older youth can and need to act as role models and agents of change for younger children. We train youth as mentors to deliver programs focused on efficacy and building empathy skills. Research has proven that the results of peer mentoring relationships are overwhelmingly positive. In fact, mentoring programs are increasingly recognized as a leading strategy for improving achievement of children and adolescents (Hamilton & Hamilton, 2004).

All of our programs are designed around the latest academic research.

We diligently evaluate our programs each year to determine their effectiveness and make changes when required. We have expanded our research and evaluation staff significantly over the past year, and have also expanded our method and management of data collection. As of November 2004, we were awarded a federal appropriation to initiate The Ophelia Institute at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Find out more about The Ophelia Institute.

We choose to work collaboratively with schools and existing organizations.

We develop programs where there is a void and a need, and cooperate with organizations that already have expertise. Collaborative relationships and pilot partnerships are in negotiation with a variety of community organizations across the country, including YMCAs, Junior Leagues, Girl Scout councils, and more.