Theory & Overview

TEC Theory & Overview

Trinity Educational Center, Inc. (TEC) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and a registered domestic non-profit corporation in Vermont. Our youth and educational center is named "Infinite," symbolizing unlimited and boundless potential, which reflects our core motto. TEC advocates for a healthier way of living by promoting healthy alternatives. We create opportunities that establish a safe environment, helping young people develop a sense of purpose, boost their self-esteem, build essential skills for success, and empower them to choose a healthy lifestyle.

TEC is committed to empowering young people to discover their inner strength, enabling them to refuse drug and alcohol use and suicidal thoughts confidently. Instead of simply telling them that saying no is the right choice, TEC believes there is a significant difference between the two approaches. While most people understand that drugs have negative consequences, not all young people realize they have the option to choose, especially in Chittenden County communities where the use of drugs (such as opioids and marijuana) and alcohol, thoughts of suicide are on the rise. This trend can lead to long-term substance use or death.

The percentage of students who have tried electronic vapor products, including e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, vape pens, e-hookahs, and hookah pens, has significantly increased. TEC focuses on providing information and empowering young people to make choices and have a voice. This approach helps them resist peer pressure and make informed health decisions.

Our Goals

  1. Create a safe environment that supports young people in developing strong interpersonal skills and a sense of purpose.

  2. Help youth understand the four stages of Adolescent Identity Development: Identity Diffusion, Identity Foreclosure, Identity Moratorium, and Identity Achievement.

  3. Use positive influence to assist youth in building self-esteem and acquiring skills for success.

  4.  Empower young people to choose a healthy lifestyle.

  5. Work to reduce substance abuse among youth and young adults in a state that ranks higher than 48 other states and Washington, D.C.

  6. Encourage young individuals to take on the role of caretakers for their communities.

  7. Provide a support system by surrounding the young people in a caring and inclusive learning environment. 

Philosophy

TEC empowers young people to realize their infinite potential by providing them with the skills and confidence needed to make healthy choices while facing the challenges of adolescence. While our primary focus is to guide young people away from drugs and alcohol, we firmly believe that the most effective way to combat substance abuse is by addressing the underlying issues. We address a wide range of critical topics, including suicide, depression, body image, education, healthy alternatives, and community responsibility. Together, these efforts create a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to fostering resilience and building assets, ultimately leading to a reduction in overall drug and alcohol use.

 Core Strategies

  • Healthy Alternatives: Research indicates that one of the main reasons young people use drugs is the lack of engaging activities. TEC aims to provide healthy alternatives, such as cultural events and movie nights, while encouraging young individuals to pursue their passions.

  • Empowerment and Personal Growth: The Infinite Center will be organized for and by youth. Young people involved with our organization will be empowered to take on leadership roles and contribute to various organizational aspects. We seek to inspire young individuals to discover their passions and achieve their goals. We believe there is a significant difference between simply telling young people to say no to drug and alcohol use and empowering them to say no when faced with that choice confidently. We emphasize positive body image, mental and emotional well-being, and peer support as vital components of youth empowerment.

  • Environmental Change: TEC is committed to transforming the local environment to ensure all young people feel accepted. We believe every youth should have a voice, and building positive relationships among youth and across generations, coupled with open communication, is essential. Our goal is to combat adverse climates of bullying and intolerance, fostering a more positive and supportive atmosphere.

  • Adolescent Identity Development: Research shows that developing a strong and stable sense of self is one of the central tasks of adolescence. During this stage, youth become increasingly self-conscious about their evolving identities, more so than at any other age.

Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Policy

TEC is committed to providing its programs, services, and activities without discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical challenge, or any other factors prohibited by law.

State Nondiscrimination Law

TEC adheres to Vermont’s Chapter 139: Discrimination and Public Accommodations.

Federal Nondiscrimination Laws

TEC complies with several federal nondiscrimination laws, including:

a. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

b. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

c. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975

Contact us.

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email
tec@trinityedcenter.org

Phone
(802) 777-8080

Fax
(802) 419-8248