MAIC works with American Indian children and families to find an foster their strengths and innate resilience.

Through it's youth programs and services, MAIC works to:

● Build strong, positive cultural identity by helping Indian youth learn about their heritage and cultural values and giving them many diverse opportunities to participate in traditional practices.
● Provide caring relationships through contact with healthy American Indian adult role models by way of one-on-one mentoring and other inter-generational programming activities and by sustained contract with program staff.
● Guide youth to make healthy lifestyle decisions by giving them accurate information, teaching them the skills to resist negative peer pressure, and introducing them to a wide array of healthy activities that reinforce and support positive choices.
● Help youth learn coping skills that will build resilience. When we teach our children that life delivers many challenges, we in turn support and teach them to find within themselves the strength to endure those challenges.
● Empower youth by showing them they can make a difference, through advocacy and community service, and by celebrating their efforts and accomplishments.

MAIC programs give American Indian people at every stage of life the tools they need to develop positive life-styles and add meaning to everyday interactions. to support the protective factors for youth cited above,
MAIC works with adults to:
● Help parents develop self-sufficiency and stabilize their economic situations.
● Support parents in developing and conveying high expectations to their children.
● Support parents in "unlearning" negative parenting practices.
● Find guidance and strength through cultural values, practices, and traditions.

Hope is more palpable than ever right now. There have been some great gains in the past decade; much Indian land has been regained; the people's health, still hurting, has improved; a new generation is being educated with hope of returning to work within their tribal communities...Now a re-vision is needed, one that encompasses the ideal of helping all Indian communities grow.

10-Year Vision for MAIC
In the next 10 years, MAIC will build on its 30 year history as a focal point for American Indian values, culture and programs. The Center’s programs will continue to be strong, effective models for serving American Indians across a broad range of ages and circumstances. The Center will attract the financial support needed to meet the future and changing needs of the American Indian community. MAIC staff and board will strive for excellent outcomes in all program areas. The Center will play an integral role within the American Indian community, working in close partnership with other organizations to ensure programs and services are coordinated. MAIC staff will continue to take pride in their work and will grow and develop in their jobs. MAIC’s facilities will be well maintained, culturally appropriate and an integral part of the revitalization of east Franklin Avenue. The MAIC will continue to be a center for American Indian cultures, helping to ensure that traditional values are passed on to future generations.
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