SPRING-SUMMER 2014 800 Jerusalem Ave

Uniondale, NY 11553 T: (516)483-1350

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE!!!!

S.T.R.O.N.G. YOUTH, INC. @strongyouthinc www.strongyouth.com

RAHSMIA’S MESSAGE

Just when we think things can’t get any better, they do! This has

been an amazing summer watching the STRONG team rock

summer CAMP! Not only did students learn about violence

prevention and civic engagement, they were exposed to activities

that helped broaden their interests and made them hungry for

more. And we will continue to feed that hunger and support them

into the next school year with the help of our partners, old and new.

I want to especially thank the Nassau Co. Re-Entry Task Force,

Uniondale School District and the Women’s Fund, for believing in

S.T.R.O.N.G.’s ability to change lives. AND WE’RE NOT DONE YET!

With the success of our upcoming gala (I know you are all

attending!) we will be looking to continue growing our current

programs, particularly focusing on strengthening parent and

community engagement. It definitely takes a village to raise a

child, and in S.T.R.O.N.G.’s case, hundreds of children :-)

We look forward to seeing you at our gala on September 18th

and at our next Victims Impact Panel on

September 29th at the Uniondale Library.

HIGHLIGHTS: ADULTS NEED SUPPORT TOO!

S.T.R.O.N.G. recently partnered with Nassau County Re-Entry Task Force to provide services to adults returning to their community after serving time in prison. We offer violence education, counseling and case management sessions to support a successful transition. Research has shown that the faster these individuals are engaged in meaningful programs and supports, the less likely they are to re-offend. We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to amazing results.

I really like that S.T.R.O.N.G. is a

positive reinforcement to kids

who need help with their

problems.” — 12 year old Uniondale

# of youth and families S.T.R.O.N.G.

served in the 2013-2014 school year.

We kicked off the summer with a 5 week program at Lawrence Road Middle School that served 134

students, designed with fun activities and educational projects to help support middle school and

transitioning high school students. Each week highlighted important topics such as peace and violence in

communities, leadership, team career readiness, and more through activities in STRONG Talks, Recreation,

The Arts, and Civic projects. We worked on peace murals, a community garden, spoken word, dance, public

speaking, and outdoor fun. We closed with a BBQ to allow parents, staff, and students to celebrate their

hard work. Thank you to Uniondale schools, and our many partners for making this possible.

YOUTH ON THE RISE: THE EVOLUTION OF RONNIE Ronnie, a Baldwin resident, came to S.T.R.O.N.G. at the age of 17 as a referral from Diversion Court. At the time

of intake Ronnie was very resistant to the idea of participating in our Intervention Program. Initially, Ronnie

would miss group sessions and even got himself sent back to East Meadow (county jail) for several days.

Nonetheless, our social worker, case manager, and counselor continued to visit his home and school, and reach

out to him despite his unresponsiveness. As he saw the relentless effort of our S.T.R.O.N.G. team Ronnie made

a dramatic turn around. He completed all program requirements including the 12 steps of Moral Reconation

Therapy (MRT). Ronnie is currently working at a pet hotel in Freeport. His parents also report improved

relations with him adding that he is getting home on time and hanging out less. Ronnie was in our program for 7

months and while he is still growing, he certainly has evolved into a testament of change.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS

Nassau Co Youth Board • 21st Century • Uniondale Schools • Long Island Community Foundation • Women’s

Fund of Long Island • American Pop Art • Diversion Court • Nassau Co Parole • Girl Scouts of Nassau Co •

Bethpage FCU • Haggerdon Foundation • Adelphi University • Hofstra University • Molloy College • Briarcliffe

College • FEGS WEP Program • Unitarian Community Activity Fund • Nassau BOCES • Truth Urban Theater Group

Look out for S.T.R.O.N.G. on PBS in a feature called “American Graduate Champions” airing in Sept.

NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINES

S.T.R.O.N.G. GIRLZ Participated in the #threadsforteens 2014 summer tour in Roosevelt. This program provided teens with new clothing. They also created an educational magazine to be distributed in Nassau County.

S.T.R.O.N.G. BOYZ Our young men attended the

Annual Boyz N2 Men Conference at Hofstra

University where they gained valuable insights to aid their

success.

SPARCS & TF-CBT STRONG is now addressing the mental health needs of our youth exposed to chronic trauma through our SPARCS and TF-CBT training through Adelphi University. Thanks!

Visit our new and improved website to hear more stories of the youth we work with

and leave us your feedback. Tell the world how much you S.T.R.O.N.G.

S.T.R.O.N.G. CHAPTERS worked with a

total of 116 High School and 166

Middle School students in Uniondale

addressing truancy and behavioral

issues this year. We also spoke with

most 5th graders in the District to

address growing concerns with

violence and gang activity.

WOMEN’S FUND OF LONG ISLAND Chose to invest in S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth once again with a $5,000 grant to continue our work with STRONG Girlz. Stay tuned for more updates.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HONOREES

SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OUTSTANDING HONOREES, A GROUP THAT

TRULY REPRESENTS THE DIVERSITY IN S.T.R.O.N.G. SUPPORTERS.

Hon. Sharon Gianelli NASSAU COUNTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE

Andrew Malekoff EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO, NORTH SHORE CHILD & FAMILY

GUIDANCE CENTER

Dr. George Santiago PRESIDENT OF BRIARCLIFFE COLLEGE

Diana Vachier & the late Steven Kaufman AMERICAN POP ART

Hon. Diane Yatauro PRESIDENT OF CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS & FORMER N.C.

Buy your Gala

and Raffle

tickets today!

Call our office or purchase online at strongyouth.com

Steve Kaufman “Peace” Art Package: Valued at over $1,000!

Includes a 20”x20” original painted art (numbered), a 9”x11” 100 pg.

hardcover Coffee Table Book, a hand painted brush used & signed by

Kaufman himself, and

letter of authenticity.

(2) Autographed

Pro-Bowl Footballs: each

come with a letter

of authenticity

Peace Mural: a 4’x4’

mural art painted and

designed by our students!