S.T.R.O.N.G. Words Winter – Spring 2014 edition 800 Jerusalem Ave Uniondale, NY T: (516)483-1350
www.strongyouthinc.com S.T.R.O.N.G. YOUTH, INC. @strongyouthinc
RAHSMIA’S MESSAGE
A quiet and timid girl, Katherine did not depict the typical characteristics of a student referred to us. However, underneath her demeanor was a world of chaos, violence, and uncertainty. When trust was built, Katherine opened up and the STRONG team launched into action empowering her mother to resolve the crisis at home. Now in a safer space and with the support of her mother, Katherine is thriving. She recently sat with a Salvadorian refugee during our Job Shadow Day. Resonating with his stories of survival, Katherine decided she wants to be a journalist to do her part in fighting injustice. She will also be presenting at the upcoming Youth Explosion Conference at the African American Museum in April.
BUILDING COMMUNITY Push Pause, a show on the Verizon Fios Network, featured a story on S.T.R.O.N.G.’s Victim’s Impact Panel held In February. Teens, parents, service providers, law enforcement, and community stake- holders have been convening every month at these panels to share experiences and ideas on how to make our communities safer and our youth stronger. We have heard impacting stories from youth marred by violence and those who strive to help them and their families. Click here to read an inspiring and heartfelt review describing the impact of VIP on our attendees. Join us for our next VIP: Monday, April 28, 2014 at 6pm at the Uniondale Public Library.
VIP
YOUTH ON THE RISE: BEAUTY FROM ASHES
The theme for this edition’s message: THANK YOU! We have been very fortunate to have made great progress as an organization these past few months and all because of the support (and belief) of so many community-minded individuals. Thank you to my out of this world staff for their patience and incessant dedication. Thank you to our new Board Members for joining our team and vowing to help take us to the next level. Thank you to countless community partners that work to build on the strengths of our youth and families. Thank you to the most creative Gala Committee ever for your vision and Punch Street, this year’s gala printing sponsors for their generosity. S.T.R.O.N.G. Gala 2014: Check out the official Book the Date announcement on the last page of this newsletter
“Help us feel comfortable. Stop and listen. What will make a difference is love.” –Tyrik Roberts (17 years old, STRONG University)
NEWS FROM FRONTLINES SPARCS S.T.R.O.N.G.’s first trauma focused psychotherapy group is well underway. Aimed at helping youth address the complexities of the trauma they have endured living in communities ridden with violence and poverty, program participants have learned valuable mindfulness and coping skills to address the devastating symptoms that remain. These kids are true SURVIVORS and OVERCOMERS. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them!
S.T.R.O.N.G GIRLZ
CHAPTERS Our work with Uniondale students is going STRONG. Thus far approximately 150 students in both middle schools, the high school, and the alternative high school have gathered to engage in deep, critical discussions about UNIVERSITY violence, bullying, relationships, The S.T.R.O.N.G. team continues to social responsibility, drug use, and help youth already involved with many other topics. They have also the criminal justice system move participated in Speak Outs and are towards change. Thus far, our team comprised of a Counselor, a working on a final project. Stay Social Worker, and a Case Manager tuned for updates! have helped over 30 youth and their families with everything from addressing issues of trauma and family conflict to enrolling in higher education, obtaining health benefits, advocating on their behalf at school and court and working with other service providers to deliver coordinated, holistic services. S.T.R.O.N.G BOYZ
7 young ladies graduated this April from STRONG Girlz! As the last step before graduation, our S.T.R.O.N.G. Girlz presented their civic public awareness projects at FCA’s Youth Explosion event. One group enacted a live skit on the issue of school violence and another screened their short film "Midnight Choices" (Click here to see their film). These projects serve to educate others on the issues that challenge girls in crime ridden communities. The girls also attended the Dream Teen Magazine’s Scholarship Breakfast where they received tips about funding their college education.
With engaging topics and a mastery of delivery, our counselor Mike Vargas and his new assistant, Alder, an Adelphi intern, have helped the group double in size. This duo is certainly creating a stir with our male population. The Boyz are now working on their first civic project and are continuously building core leaders within the group.
HIGHLIGHT: It’s All Business
Thank you to all the professionals who took time out to get down to business with our youth. Without a doubt, it was a life changing experience for many of them. Please support these community minded businesses.
Liz O’Shaughnessy
Dr. Gunsberger Arthur Sorenson
Levittown, NY - Medical Field
Freeport Trailer – Freeport, NY Non-Profit Organizations
Red Lobster – Garden City, NY Restaurant Management
“My advice is don’t do drugs and get good friends.”
Exit Realty – Uniondale, NY Small Business Ownership
–Edwin Torres (16 years old)
Anibal Inoa & William A. Dean
Taryn Allen Ernst & Young- New York, NY Accounting & Finance
Partnering with local businesses is crucial to our mission, offering our students a more rounded outlook into the business and career fields, inspiring our students to reach their dreams, and promotes positive behaviors and values. Contact us to find out how you can join the Building STRONG youth movement!
Printing Sponsors of S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth’s 14th Anniversary Gala Check out their website at: www.PunchStreet.com
S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth INVITES YOU TO OUR PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
WHY: Do you have questions or answers? We invite you to share & build resources that strengthen youth and families. WHO: All are welcome! WHEN: Every Friday at 5:30pm - 6:30pm WHERE: STRONG OFFICE - 800 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553 Partnering with parents is our mission!