FIGHTING FOR OUR YOUTH…
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WINTER 2013
S.T.R.O.N.G. Words Fighting for Youth and Communities Follow us on Facebook: Strong Youth, Inc. Instagram @strongyouth Twitter: @strongyouthinc www.strongyouth.com S.T.R.O.N.G. YOUTH, INC. – 800 JERUSALEM AVE UNIONDALE, NY 11553 (516)483-1350
IN THIS ISSUE
Rahsmia’s Message This week is exactly one year since my appointment to the Executive Director position. And what a year it’s been! I would like to take a moment to reflect on what S.T.R.O.N.G. and our communities have been through this past year and how we can take lessons learned into the New Year. I was well aware that my new position would come with challenges. Even though I had been with the organization for almost 7 years, I had a lot of learning to do. But I was mostly full of excitement of being able to implement ideas and changes I envisioned, using my strengths and energy to take S.T.R.O.N.G. to the next level of greatness. I was so proud of everything S.T.R.O.N.G. had achieved up to
that point and knew we could do much more. 2012 was going to be our year! Needless to say, 2012 didn’t exactly run as I had imagined. While there was no way to fully prepare for the series of events that tested our perseverance and determination, I have no regrets. As the saying goes “No pain, no gain.” By the end of my first month as Director, we had an awesome staff, fully dedicated to fulfilling S.T.R.O.N.G.’s mission of teaching and empowering youth to be leaders in their lives and communities. We were servicing more youth than ever in more schools and programs than ever. Continued on Page 4
Communities in Action Page 2
S.T.R.O.N.G.’s Most Changed Page 3
Latest News Page 4
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As an organization that emphasizes the importance of coming together in addressing obstacles and creating strong, lasting foundations our youth can grow from, we were overwhelmed by the altruism exhibited by individuals and communities across the country.
Communities in Action Since its inception in 2000, S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth has fought for youth and communities in crisis. While government and law enforcement declared a war on gangs, S.T.R.O.N.G. chose to declare peace on our youth, families and communities. While advocating for justice and resources for gang involved and violent youth has not always been the popular or easy thing to do, S.T.R.O.N.G.’s always known it was the right thing to do. Fighting through adversity has fortified our spirits, united generations and helped grow the communal foundation necessary to provide opportunities for success to our youth. A few months ago our region was hit by a violent and unforgiving storm, Hurricane Sandy, which took lives and destroyed communities. Sandy’s devastation, coupled with the adverse economic and political
climate, made rebuilding seem like a daunting task. Just weeks later, the nation was shocked by the news that 26 innocent people had been indiscriminately gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Ct. In the aftermath of both tragedies, communities immediately mobilized efforts to assist victims physically, emotionally and spiritually. Volunteers collected supplies, organized clean-up efforts and vigils, organizations and churches offered crisis services, and activist groups recruited youth to highlight political responsibility and the need for legislative actions. The spirit of action and collaboration was evident.
While we would love to never have to deal with negative situations, we rejoice in the positive energy and human spirit revived by them. It’s our dream and hopes we can keep the energy alive and continue to reach out to our fellow brothers and sisters who are struggling. It’s only through perseverance and consistency that we will achieve safer, thriving communities, today and for future generations.
Thank You to Cirque Du Soleil! Earlier this fall, Cirque Du Soleil honored S.T.R.O.N.G. with free tickets and an exclusive post-show Q&A session with some of the performers. 25 middle and high school students from Hempstead had the privilege of participating in this event. Our students were intrigued by the stories shared by the performers and inspired to search outside of the box for their dreams. From all of us at S.T.R.O.N.G. we say, “Thank you Cirque Du Soleil!”
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2011-2012 AT A GLANCE We served a total of 357 students in the last school year in all of our chapter programs at Cornelius Court, Juvenile Detention Center, ABGS Middle School, Hempstead High School, and Roosevelt Middle School.
125 students in our chapter workshops and after school meetings at ABGS MS. At Hempstead High School we conducted prevention workshops via 15 advisory and ESL classes as well as afterschool. 145 students in Roosevelt.
We took students to the Holocaust Museum, to an off Broadway show (The Mountaintop), bowling, and conducted many sports tournaments led by the students. One of the biggest highlights of the year was our annual STRONGEST Educator dinner where students recognized 16 school staff members for being outstanding educators. We maintained contact with many of these students and their families throughout the summer with positive and safe activities; evidence of the type of relationships we were able to develop through our work. Here are some of the results of our 2011-2012 post-survey with students:
87% STRONG has helped me make positive changes
Xtreme Makeover: S.T.R.O.N.G.’s Most Changed
71% S.T.R.O.N.G. helped me see my role in changing my community
91% I want STRONG in my school next year
Many lives have been impacted since S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth began its work out of a college dorm room many years ago. It’s a natural occurrence to hear the doorbell or the telephone ring with S.T.R.O.N.G. alumni seeking a hand or wanting to share report s of success. The mail often brings graduation invitations, baby announcements and requests for help with resumes. This year our Chapter program was privileged to meet 3 amazing young people who though courage and strength have made great progress. These are their stories. “Ivan” By the time an exasperated administration referred Ivan to our chapter program, he had been convicted of taking a weapon to school and could not go a week without being involved in a physical altercation in school, at home, or in his neighborhood. Living on the border of two rivaling
FIGHTING FOR OUR YOUTH… | Issue
gang turfs and with many relatives involved in gangs themselves, this eighth grader was all too familiar with violence. For the first few months it was nearly impossible to keep Ivan out of trouble through a chapter meeting. STRONG counselors made several home visits, held mediations, and one on one sessions with Ivan. Through these interventions, he learned to manage his anger and develop positive peer relationships. Ivan has now entered High School and states “I’ve left my old ways. I’m doing good now.”
“Mike” Mike came into contact with S.T.R.O.N.G. about 3 years ago. While he had not been referred to our program a counselor spotted him constantly roaming the hallways. Mike, the counselor was told, was known as “The Wanderer” and had already failed 9th grade twice. Mike had also begun associating with gang members, had been shot and was smoking marijuana. STRONG counselors took Mike under their wings, calling him constantly, involving him in positive activities in order to keep him busy and talking to him about goal setting and leadership. The motivation and direction Mike received from STRONG counselors has paid off. Mike realized it was time for a change. He is now an honor roll student at an alternative school and a STRONG Junior counselor.
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home situation, Jenny fell into a routine of cutting class, hanging out with gang members and smoking marijuana. Like so many kids we come across, she was eager to change and was searching for guidance and support. Jenny befriended one of our counselors and slowly starting seeking the S.T.R.O.N.G. office as a refuge when she felt like she might get into a fight or wanted to leave school for good. STRONG counselors explored obstacles holding her back and exposed her to opportunities. They developed a relationship with her parents and involved her in mentoring activities with Middle School students. Together, the team helped Jenny decrease her truancy and end her criminal behavior. She volunteered with S.T.R.O.N.G. throughout the summer and is now a STRONG Junior counselor.
Disney on Ice trip at Nassau Coliseum
Celebrating student achievement with cupcakes Discussing solutions for violence in schools
Latest Work with Students
“Jenny” Jenny used her beautiful smile to hide a life of turmoil, self-doubt, and anger and keep people at a distance. Dealing with a tough
Building team work with marshmallows We recently awarded pins to 6 students who completed the first level of the chapter program.
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High School and Middle School students made and delivered 30 treat bags for the Winthrop Child Life Program Rahsmia’s Message, Cont’d from Page 1
Social work interns from Adelphi University: Tyvon Foster, Shannalei Ankle, and James Sharpe “My experience since joining S.T.R.O.N.G. in September 2012 thus far has been extremely positive, thought provoking and always challenging. My work at ABGS middle school in Hempstead at our twice weekly “Chapter” meetings has seen the development of powerful and lasting social friendships between group members and counselors. The strength and resilience that many of these students exhume in face of multiple and often complex challenges is something that I have come to respect and admire as my time at S.T.R.O.N.G. progresses. I look forward to the coming months as my rapport and support with S.T.R.O.N.G.’s clients develops and I continue to influence the students as much as they have already influenced me.” – James “I have really enjoyed my time here at S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth so far. This organization is an example of how to impact and help change people's lives and with every passing day I learn something new.” – Shannalei “Working with S.T.R.O.N.G. has been an amazing experience as a young social worker. I find the relationship with these students to be a two way street where I have learned from them and they have learned from me. “– Tyvon
Youth, parents, staff and school administrators were responding positively to our work. We were weeks away from starting our first official summer program and launching our newly designed intervention program (STRONG University), a collaboration with the Adolescent Diversion part of Nassau’s District Court and NC Probation Department. But just as quickly as those changes took shape, it all came tumbling down. In June Nassau County terminated all youth service contracts. Programs were immediately suspended, staff laid off and our focus shifted from growth to survival. The next few months were spent organizing and advocating to local legislators to do right by the youth and families of Nassau County by restoring funding. When youth are dying on our streets and families struggling with job loss and other economic stresses, youth service providers should not need to beg our elected officials to provide their constituents much needed resources. But we were up for the challenge. In the midst of battling to keep our doors open, Long Island was hit by Hurricane Sandy, further destabilizing families, organizations and businesses throughout the County. Without hesitation, we rolled up our sleeves and joined recovery efforts throughout the County. This was a very humbling time and experience for me. Witnessing communities coming together and the resolve of victims to overcome the destruction renewed my conviction to fight for S.T.R.O.N.G. and the youth we serve. January 2013: As of writing this, I am happy to report we are starting to pull the pieces back together. Throughout these past months S.T.R.O.N.G. has maintained its presence in the Hempstead School district providing afterschool workshop and activities to middle and high school students. We are recruiting staff and reinstating STRONG University and STRONG Chapter programs in the Juvenile Detention Center and Hype Academy. We are also developing critical strategic partnerships that will strengthen our programs and open up new funding opportunities. The excitement I felt at this time last year is returning. While I would have preferred a smoother ride my first year as Director, I am emboldened by having overcome the bumps in the road. Bring on 2013!