Umoja opened in the late 1960's with the placement of a gang of 15 into a homelike setting that emphasized community service. It uses the African extended family model in which the mother and father are mother and father to all the children. The youths must adhere to a strict sense of house rules, underscored through a signed contract. Youths also receive individual counseling, are involved in household chores, attend school, secure employment or training, and develop a sense of group unity. The extended family values neutralize antisocial feelings and lead to feelings of self-esteem. The young men are influenced by peers and older people whom they respect to complete their educations and obtain legal employment. Replications of the Umoja model are now under way. Transferring the model to other settings depends in large part on obtaining staff who can work with youths in hostile street settings. However, the model does not depend on one charismatic individual. (Author abstract modified)