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MYC & JAG
January 2013
Newsletter
MYC After School Program
January Updates!
MYC Youth

We would like to welcome you and your family to the fifth month of this school year's Milford Youth Center After School Program! 

 

Some of these programs this month include the JAG Youth Council, Arts & Crafts, Weightlifting, Instructional Boxing Conditioning, Kids Choice, Homework Help, and many other daily physical fitness activities/open gym. Click here for our full January Calendar! For our event calendar for the year, click here! The Center will host its first "Find Yourself Friday" Youth Event on Friday, January 24th from 6:30-9:00 PM. 
 
The Milford Youth Center after school program is open for youth ages 8-18, free of charge, from 2-6 pm Monday through Friday (unless otherwise noted on our calendar). We see over 200 youth every day, through this program and the many community and sports organizations that utilize the facility. All participants must fill out a registration form to be a member. Once this form is returned to the Center, the member will be provided with an ID barcode to be placed on the back of their Milford Student ID's (once they are issued). This will be how Youth Center staff will track attendance. Therefore, all members are required to bring in their Milford School ID's in order to enter the facility. For the MYC Code of Conduct, click here. You can find out all up-to-date info at our website.  

If you 
would like to volunteer, donate, or run a program during next school year's after school program please call or email the Center.  Click here for volunteer form! The Milford Youth Center would like to thank the numerous volunteers, individuals and organizations that allow us to continue to grow and provide a safe and fun environment for the Youth of Milford! We would like to specifically thank this month: United Way of Tri-County, Teachers Driving Academy, Pizza Chef, Rivera Athletic Center, the Milford National Bank and its Charitable Foundation, Chief Tom OLoughlin, Kevin Rudden, Christine Daddario, Phyllis Hearn, Artie Morin, and Stanley Brown. 
Next Find Yourself Friday
"We Are Kayley's Hope"

A few months ago, a few MYC & JAG Youth Council members ran into the Youth Center asking if we could hold our next Find Yourself Friday Youth Event for a 10 year old Milford girl that had a rare disease, named Kayley.  Kayley was diagnosed with a condition known as Mid Aortic Syndrome just after her 10th birthday. Only 200 cases of MAS have been reported throughout the world. Out of those 200 cases only 60 have been successful. Kayley is number 201. As stated by her doctors at Children's Hospital in Boston, Kayley is one of the most complicated cases they have ever seen. 

 

After learning more about what was going on, we invited Kayley to attend our next JAG Youth Council meeting and asked her mom if it would be okay to hold our next Youth Event for her. Both agreed and soon after Kayley became an MYC & JAG Youth Council member. In just over one month, we got to really see how Kayley is such a kind and sweet young girl! We hope to help the family raise money for her surgery expenses during this very tough time. Kayley went into surgery on December 5th and was in the hospital recovering for two weeks. Surgery went very well and she is now home getting better!

  

Our next Find Yourself Friday event will be held on Friday, January 24th and a portion of the proceeds will be going towards her gofundme.com/KayleysHope collection. The event will be held from 6:30- 9 PM at the Milford Youth Center and will include music, dancing, snacks, a jumpy, a movie, raffle prizes, games and bracelets to sell/make for Kayley! If you would like to volunteer at this event, please email Jen Ward

 
Help the Milford Youth Center Comedy Night!

 

Laughter is the best medicine!!! Join us for a comedy night on Friday, February 7th at 8:00 p.m. at the Milford Doubletree! This event, is being held to support the Milford Youth Center, and is sponsored by HealthSource of Milford Dr. Dirk Johns. The National headliner is Chris Tabb, the feature act is Dan Smith (has opened for George Lopez), and the comedic host for the evening will be Bobby G.

 

Tickets are $20 each and are available for sale at HealthSource in Milford. Address: 258 Main St (the commons building) or call 508 634 2444 for more information.

 

The Milford Youth Center would like to thank the organizers and sponsors of this event and selecting the Center to be the recipient of this fundraiser! We would like to especially thank Ann DiCecco, the Community Outreach Director for HealthSource Dr. Dirk Johns D.C. in Milford! 

Adult Open Gym Every Thursday!

The Milford Youth Center will be open for adult open gym on Thursday Nights! All adults can enjoy basketball and volleyball from 7:30-9:00 PM. 

 

All participants will be charged either a $50 registration fee for the entire season (or $5 each time). This one-time fee will be for the entire season, ending on Thursday, April 30th. You must be 18 or older to participate and have an ID when registering. All proceeds go back to youth programming at the Center. 

 

If you have any questions, please call the Sidney at the Center at 508-473-1756 or email here.

 

For registration form, click here. Please make check payable to The Milford Youth Center and return payment and this bottom section to the Center at 24 Pearl St. Milford, Ma 01757.

MYC Field Trip to Edaville!

Grafton and Upton Railroad CEO Jon Delli Priscoli, who also owns Edaville Railroad in Carver, was on hand yesterday to send two busloads of kids from the Milford Youth Center to the iconic trail themed family amusement park.

"I wanted to do something for our G and U neighbors and this seemed like the right thing to do in the spirit of the season," Delli Priscoli said. "I talked with the Milford legislative delegation and they suggested we run the trip for the MYC."

Edaville, established in the 1946, is currently running its Festival of Lights, and annual holiday feature that runs until the New Year. It is one of the only theme parks left in New England that caters to young children and families.

"Edaville Railroad brings the joys of the holiday season to life, so I'm pleased that we were able to make this opportunity a reality for the kids of the Milford Youth Center," said Sen. Richard T. Moore. "Many thanks to Jon Delli Priscoli for his generosity and commitment to the Milford community by extending the invitation."

"I am personally grateful for the generosity of Jon Delli Priscoli and the Grafton and Upton Railroad for making this unique opportunity available to the boys and girls who use the Milford Youth Center," said State Rep. John V. Fernandes. "I know that they will definitely enjoy the sights and wonders of this favorite New England destination."

"The Milford Youth Center appreciates everyone's efforts in making this trip to Edaville Railroad possible," said center Director Sidney De Jesus. "This is an opportunity for our kids to make memories that will last a lifetime." 

 

For more photos of the trip, click here

Thank You United Way of Tri-County and Pizza Chef!

The Milford Youth Center would like to thank the United Way of Tri-County and Pizza Chef of Milford for their generosity this Holiday season!

 

The United Way of Tri-County provided gifts for 20 Milford Youth Center members and Pizza Chef provided pizza and drinks for the families and staff! Due to the support of local organizations and businesses, the Youth Center is able to continue to provide for our community and it's youth members!  

JAG Help's Bake Some Holiday Cheer!!!

 

We would like to thank the JAG Youth Council for helping to "bake some Holiday cheer" last month! Members of the group volunteered to make a batch of cookies! Volunteers then collected all the cookies and placed them into Holiday bowls and delivered and handed them out in Boston on Christmas Eve to those in need, in shelters and/or were homeless, on Christmas Eve. 

 

We hope to do this again next year and have more community members get involved! 

MYC Thanks Rivera Athletic Center!

 

The Milford Youth Center would like to thank the Rivera Athletic Center, and especially Ellen and Jorge, for their part in organizing the collection of Holiday gifts for ten Youth Center families! 

 

This is the second year in a row that the Rivera Athletic Center has held this collection for Youth Center families. Without the generosity of the gym and its members, we would not be able to provide gifts for all the families! Due to the support of local organizations and businesses, the Youth Center is able to continue to provide for our community and it's youth members!  

 

For Milford Daily News article, please click here

MYC Thanks the Milford National Bank and its Charitable Foundation!

 

The Milford Youth Center would like to thank the Milford National Bank and its Charitable Foundation for its generous donation of $1,000 to the Center! It's due to the generosity of local groups individuals, and companies, like The Milford National Bank, that we are able to continue to offer free after school programming, an affordable summer camp, and provide a safe and fun environment for the youth of Milford!  

MYC Skate Park Updates!

 

The Milford Youth Center is proud to share that the building of the indoor skate park is underway! 

 

Last year, the MYC Skate Park Youth Venture group, a group of MYC members, received a $1,000 seed grant from the United Way of Tri-County Youth Venture to purchase the materials to begin this project! The group will continue to build the pieces and look forward to making it available during the after school program in the near future! 

 

If you would like to get involved, please contact the Center. We are always looking for volunteers and power tools/lumber donations!

Community Impact and Truth Yoga Studio

Registration is now open for two new classes at Community Impact and Truth Yoga Studio! 

 

1. Gentle Yoga: For all levels

    When: Mondays 

    Time: 6-7 PM

    Mission: Helps promote balance, flexibility, and stress relief!

 

2. High School Teen Yoga: Ages 13-18

    When: Mondays 

    Time:7:15-8:15 PM

    Purpose: Helps promote calmness,               relaxation, and mindfulness!

 

These classes are for 6 weeks for $90 (Checks payable to Community Impact). To register, visit CommunityImpactInc.net or click here.

   

Recovery Group

Are you in recovery from a substance addiction? If you said yes, please join us. This six week group will make you realize you are not alone, comforted that all those thoughts, feelings, shame, and guilt, are similar to the person next to them. Together, with the help of a licensed therapist, group members will be guided in taking responsibility, and to understand and learn about their addiction and themselves, as they begin to experience who they are as an individual, without the life of substance use or abuse. This group is held on Thursdays from 8-9 PM at Community Impact located at 211 Main St. in Milford. To register, contact Amy Leone at 508-422-0242 ex. 1. 

Social Skills and Communication Group

Help your child (ages 6-11) be more aware of, as well as learn strategies to cope with their emotions, impulses, and sensory needs through fun, age appropriate activities! The skills learned in this group will improve your child's ability to solve conflicts at home, school and throughout their everyday interactions!

When: Saturday's
Time: 10am to 11am for 6 weeks
Date: February 1st to March 8th
Where: Community Impact, 211 Main Street Milford, MA.

For more information or to register call 508-422-0242 ext. 1 or complete our online registration

"My Image" Group

Concerned about your body image? Unsure how to prevent and alleviate your body image problems? If so, join us for this 8 week group! We will integrate mindfulness, acceptance, and expressive writing with established effective cognitive and behavioral procedures for those struggling with body image challenges.  

 

This group will start on January 8th, 2014 at 4 PM at Community Impact, located at 211 Main St. in Milford. 

 

To register, contact Amy Leone at 508-422-0242 ex. 1 or click here

Next JAG Meeting 

Please join us for our next JAG meeting on Wednesday, January 8th at 8:45 am at the Milford Police Station Training Room.

  

For the last few month's, JAG has been joined by consultant Lauren Gilman from EDC to help the group gain a better understanding of social marketing campaigns. With her support, guidance, knowledge, and expertise we will begin to brand our message of reducing underage substance use and adolescent risk factors for 2013-2014.

We are also looking for new area organizations to get involved in our efforts and coalition work.  If you are interested please contact Amy Leone at amy_leone@waysideyouth.org 

Sponsor an MYC March Madness Team!

Every March, the Milford Youth Center hosts our annual March Madness Tourney and 3 Point & Dunk Contest! We have over 60 kids participate each year and award the winning participants trophies and medals! This year we are looking for local business and organizations to sponsor the teams so we can provide t-shirts! It will cost $50.00 to sponsor a team of five!

 

Each participating donor will have their business/organization name on the back of the t-shirts and will be thanked through all out publications!

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! For sponsor form, click here.  

 

Please make check payable to Bolio's Sporting Goods (with "MYC March Madness" in the memo) and return payment and this bottom section to the Center at 24 Pearl St. Milford, Ma 01757. Please have this into the Center by February, 28th

Save the Date:
MYC's Annual St. Pat's Fundraiser! 

Mark your calendars!!! The Milford Youth Center will host its fifth annual St. Pat's Fundraiser on Saturday, March 15th.

 

This annual event is to help raise money for the Center, which is currently relying on individual donations, rental fees, support from the Town, TDA registration donations, funding from the United Way of Tri-County and fundraisers like this to keep its door open to our youth. Please consider joining us to make this event a success! We consider this to be one of our biggest fundraisers with the anticipation of over 300 people in attendance. All proceeds of the event go towards the physical fitness and educational programs of the Center. 

 

Tickets will be available soon! We are also looking for raffle prize donations. Please contact the Center at 508-473-1756 or milfordyouthcenter@comcast.net if your business or company would like to make a donation! 

Save the Date:  
2nd Annual Networking Breakfast  
"Taking the Next Steps"

The Juvenile Advocacy Group (JAG) has continued to work, for the past seven years, to bring together mental health providers, police, juvenile courts, schools, churches, medical providers and hospitals to address youth mental health and substance abuse in Greater Milford. Last year, the Juvenile Advocacy Group (JAG) networked with over 100 providers at our 1st Networking Breakfast to address the challenges of youth mental health. Again, we are joining our effort again with Milford Regional Medical Center's Patient Family Advocacy Committee's (PFAC) Mental Health Subcommittee, The Adolescent and Youth Adult Health Center and Yourteen.org to collectively explore existing and new resources for clients and families we all serve.

 

Please save the date and attend a FREE 2nd annual networking breakfast scheduled on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 from 8:30-11:30am at the Doubletree Hotel in Milford! The goal of this breakfast is to take the next step in identifying and utilizing existing in new resources in our community. More information on the breakfast, including the agenda, will be forthcoming.  

 

If you plan to attend, please RSVP at www.jagnetwork.org and feel free to pass this onto others you feel would benefit from our event. We look forward to meeting all of you and working together to make Greater Milford a place where young people and their families can find needed mental health services and treatment.

Teachers Driving Academy
 2013-2014 Classes!

The 2013-2014 classroom schedule for the Milford TDA is available! Click here for more information and the registration form! 

 

The Milford Youth Center is pleased to partner with the Teachers Driving Academy to offer students a great program, at a reasonable price, with the added convenience of taking classes right at school! Every registration fee is made out the Milford Youth Center as a donation from TDA. We are very grateful for this collaboration and support!     

Free Community Meals in Milford! 

There are free meal options in Milford and all are welcome! Meals are available almost everyday of the week! 

 

For different locations for different days, please click here

Parent Partnership Support Groups! 

 

Join a Parents Support Group - A group for parents/guardians who are looking for support and information on their child's behavior, emotions or mental health challenges. 

 

We meet at 88 Lincoln St, Framingham, across from the MetroWest Medical Center Hospital. For January Calendar, click here. Groups and Sessions are FREE and open to all! For more info, contact Ann Killion, Parent Support Coordinator at 508-620-0010 x194 or ann_killion@waysideyouth.org

Community Calendar 

 

    Visit our community calendar for more local community events.

     

    The MYC and JAG Monthly Newsletter will be e-mailed at the beginning of every month. If you would like to have something placed in the newsletter please e-mail Jen Ward, at jward@milfordyouthcenter.net.
January 6, 2014
In This Issue
MYC After School program
Find Yourself Friday
Milford Youth Center Comedy Night
MYC Open Gym
MYC Field Trip to Edaville
MYC Thanks United Way & Pizza Chef
Bake Some Holiday Cheer
MYC Thanks Rivera Athletic Center
MYC Thanks the Milford National Bank and its Charitable Foundation
MYC Skate Park Updates!
Community Impact and Truth Yoga Studio
Recovery Group
Social Skills and Communication Group
"My Image" Group
JAG
Sponsor an MYC March Madness Team
Save the Date: MYC's Annual St. Pat's Fundraiser
Networking Breakfast
TDA
Free Meals!
Parent Partnership Support Groups

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Juvenile Advocacy Group (JAG) mission is to work with its community partners to bring resources together to prevent substance abuse and address other emerging needs in the community. The Massachusetts communities included in JAG's service area are the towns of Milford, Bellingham and Hopedale. Through JAG's programs and services youth and their families are able to gain the information and resources to help live and lead healthier lives.  For more information, click here.

Milford Youth Center (MYC) mission is to provide a safe environment that promotes self esteem, builds character, and fosters the notion of community and the importance of respecting and serving others. For more information, click here.

The MYC & JAG work together to provide resources and opportunities for youth to make healthy decisions. The MYC & JAG have worked to provide local youth with the necessary activities and events that help them develop physically, mentally, socially and emotionally through their childhood years. By providing Milford youth with these types of programs and a safe environment during the after school hours and during our monthly events, we hope to address adolescent risk factors as well as promoting the partnership among community members to ensure a comprehensive vision and plan for the health of the youth in the town of Milford.