Youth Commission Hosts Safety in South Holyoke Meeting
One of the aims of the Holyoke Youth Commission is to advocate for other youth in the community. They do this by speaking to their peers about issues and problems they face and bringing these issues to city leaders. After interviewing youth in after-school programs located in the Flats and South Holyoke, it became clear that saftey was a major concern of youth living in these areas. On July 14th, the Youth Commission took action by inviting Mayor Elaine Pluta, the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, Holyoke Police, and youth to speak about ways to best address violence and open drug use in these areas. Out of the meeting, came several proactive solutions including the residents taking part in the Text-A-Tip program where residents can anonymously text their local police when crime is happening or to give information about a crime that has taken place (SOLVE 274 637). Also, participants of the meeting are going to take part in the Neighborhood Watch meetings that take place in Wards 1 and 2. The follow up meeting will be taking place at the next Neighborhood Watch in Ward 1. Check out the story online at: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/07/south_holyoke_young_people_com.html
Prevention Needs Assessment Survey to Holyoke Youth
The Holyoke Youth Task Force in partnership with the Holyoke Public Schools implemented the Prevention Needs Assessment Survey to all 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in Holyoke Public Schools. The survey shows the risk and protective factors of Holyoke youth. This data is vital in guiding the direction of portions of the HYTF coalition's work. Please contact Rebecca Masters for survey results at rmasters@girlsincholyoke.org.
The Holyoke Youth Task Force Recognizes Heroes
On June 11th, youth, parents/guardians, and youth workers were recognized at the Holyoke Health Center as the Holyoke Youth Task Force honored outstanding Holyoke Heroes! Through the months of May and June, the Holyoke Youth Task Force asked community-based organizations, schools, youth, and the community at-large to nominate local heroes from the community to be recognized at the Holyoke Youth Task Force annual recognition event. Traditionally, this event had only recognized outstanding youth in the community. This year, those people who have helped youth succeed were also honored: parents/guardians and youth workers! Over forty nominees were recognized, and three in each catagory were specially selected by the Holyoke Youth Commission to be honored. The winners were as follows:Youth Workers: Jude Kallok,
Andrew Melendez, Amanda Melemed Parents/Guardians:
Heri Acevedo,
Martiza Santiago, Parents from the
Girls Inc After School programYouth: Iliana Cabon, Crystal Duck,
Hector Lasanta.
Working
together to build a better community for Holyoke's
youth.
Calendar
Thurs., August 19, 2010
Holyoke Youth Task Force monthly meeting. 11:30-1:00 Enlace de Familias--299 Main St.
One of the aims of the Holyoke Youth Commission is to advocate for other youth in the community. They do this by speaking to their peers about issues and problems they face and bringing these issues to city leaders. After interviewing youth in after-school programs located in the Flats and South Holyoke, it became clear that saftey was a major concern of youth living in these areas. On July 14th, the Youth Commission took action by inviting Mayor Elaine Pluta, the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, Holyoke Police, and youth to speak about ways to best address violence and open drug use in these areas. Out of the meeting, came several proactive solutions including the residents taking part in the Text-A-Tip program where residents can anonymously text their local police when crime is happening or to give information about a crime that has taken place (SOLVE 274 637). Also, participants of the meeting are going to take part in the Neighborhood Watch meetings that take place in Wards 1 and 2. The follow up meeting will be taking place at the next Neighborhood Watch in Ward 1. Check out the story online at: