July - 2021
Collaborating for Youth
Quarterly Newsletter
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Coalition:
What sets Collaborating For Youth apart is that we are a coalition. This means that our table is open to community members, coming from many walks of life, to offer the gifts they have as individuals or to provide their contributions from occupations, professional roles, faith organizations, etc. As we come together, our meeting topics may vary, but they reflect steps in a process towards meeting our goals together. We may be meeting to learn more about prevention science, to set priorities, to help open perspectives to a kinder and more just world, or perhaps we are analyzing data to discover the needs and resources available in our communities. For over 20 years, this has been the role of a committed group of community members in Adams County. We continue to do this work and invite you to our coalition table to help collaboratively effect the positive change we seek to see in the world. Afterall, what is a coalition? "A coalition is a voluntary, formal agreement and collaboration between groups or sectors of a community in which each group retains its identity but all agree to work together toward a common goal." Our common goal to develop the positive potential of youth within safe and supportive families and communities drives us forward. Consider joining Collaborating For Youth via our many community events or through having a seat at our collaborative table. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Andrea Dolges, Mobilizer CFY Coalition
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Hispanic Focus Groups - Strategic Prevention Framework
"Focus Groups with Hispanic Community Members to Guide Priorities"
Since November of 2020, the Center for Youth and Community Development has been conducting small focus groups within the Hispanic communities across Adams County to share information about the misuse of alcohol and marijuana among youth in Adams County, as well as information regarding depression among youth and adults in Adams County.
Conducting the focus groups is an objective from CFYCD’s Strategic Prevention Framework initiative, and the format is designed to provide opportunities for participants to share experiences and concerns, and to express the need for services or activities that may not be available to them currently or may not be available in their language of choice. Participants also learn about local resources and how they can become involved in prevention activities to help reduce the early onset of substances among youth.
When responding to what services are needed for the Hispanic community, participants in the first few focus groups named psychological services for children and adults – preferably in Spanish; more programs for youth regarding drugs and alcohol; and local activities for families and youth.
CFYCD has three additional focus groups scheduled to be held in late summer. Once the information is collected from those groups, the Strategic Prevention Framework team will provide a full report of the results with recommendations to the Collaborating for Youth community coalition to review and address the specific areas of need as indicated by the results.
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Cultural Competency - Dialogue & Action Circles Updates
As a part of the Strategic Prevention Framework Collaborating for Youth held it's 5- week new initiative concerning cultural competency in our community. A series of Dialogue Action Circles were held leading small groups in a community conversation about Race, Identity & Culture. 18 community members and four facilitators participated in this meaningful and important series. Information on future Dialogue & Action Circles will be available in the near future. Our next series of Dialogue & Action Circles will be beginning in August.
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Overdose Awareness in Adams County
In June, Collaborating for Youth presented on the current statistics surrounding overdoses in Adams County, the state of Pennsylvania as well as the National level. Overdoses are up in every state in the United States, but Pennsylvania is among the top 10 states with the highest opioid use and overdose rates (according to OverdosefreePA.org). Adams County EMS reports have shown a 45% increase of Narcan treatments in 2020 compared to 2019. As show above overdose deaths in Adams County have more than doubled.
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Medicine Take Back - Successful Event!
Data report for Medicine Take Back held on Saturday, April 24. We disposed of 1,636.7 LBS of unwanted medications. There were 863 disposers and 59+ volunteers at 9 SITES throughout Adams County. 12 law enforcement agencies participated. We distributed 8,630 educational printed materials as well as 36 Narcan kits.
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MEMBER HIGHLIGHT -
Big Brothers Big Sisters York & Adams County
written by Linda Gorter, Executive Director/CEO
“Making Matches for 40 years”
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of York and Adams Counties, our vision is to see all youth achieve their full potential. We help realize this vision by matching at-risk youth with mentors who ignite their biggest possible futures. Our agency has been serving the area for 40 years, but Big Brothers Big Sisters has been matching at-risk youth with mentors for over 100 years. Our programs have proven results. A study by public/private ventures found that kids who are part of Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 52% less likely to skip school, and 33% less likely to hit someone.
We serve youth primarily through two programs: our community mentoring program and our school-based mentoring (or SMART) program. Most of the youth in our programs come from low- or moderate-income households and single parent households, and participation is free. Regardless of which program they are in, they are paired with a supportive role model and mentor who can be a steady presence in their life. These relationships can last years, sometimes even a lifetime.
Our Community-mentoring Program is our flagship program and most well-known. We match at-risk youth (Littles), ages 6-13, with volunteer adult mentors from the community (Bigs). Bigs can be college age, empty nesters, or any age in between. Bigs and Littles meet 2 to 4 times a month for a couple hours at a time doing activities they enjoy together. This can be as simple as a walk around the park or shooting hoops. Some matches have taken trips to farms, Hershey Park, or even the beach—things that are often out of reach for them otherwise. The key is that the matches decide together what they do. Littles’ safety is paramount. Mentors go through 7 layers of background checks, provide references, and are interviewed by our staff. We regularly monitor each match to ensure its success and the Little’s safety.
Our School-based mentoring or SMART Program (Students and Mentors Achieving Results Together) pairs either college or high school students (Bigs) with elementary-aged youth (Littles) who meet after school approximately once a week during the school year. In Adams County, Gettysburg College students serve as Bigs to Littles from Gettysburg Areas School District. In these programs, Bigs and Littles spend the first part working together on homework, then after a healthy snack, together they can choose a variety of activities such as games, crafts or sports.
We have had to adapt due to the pandemic. We have emphasized phone calls, video chats, or texting during times when matches could not meet in person. Some Bigs dropped off gift bags, or bought books they could read “together” and discuss with their Little over the phone. Our school programs have been on Zoom, utilizing breakout rooms to allow matches to meet, and have done online tours of zoos, castles, museums and more. What is most important to us is keeping Littles connected to their Big during this difficult time.
For more information visit bbbsyorkadams.org or call 717-843-0051.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Physical Fitness Task Force’s Summer Hikes
Date(s) & Location(s): Saturday, July 24, 2021 (Mount Holly Marsh Preserve) &
Saturday, August 7, 2021 (Caledonia State Park) Time: 9:00 a.m.
Peace Camp - Interfaith Center for Peace & Justice
Vacation Bible School with Christ Lutheran
Pre-K - 5th Grade Youth - Monday thru Wednesday, August 2-4, 9am to noon
Healthy Adams County - Third Annual Ice Cream Walk
Kid’s Day at Adams County Farmer’s Market
Date: Saturday, August 28, 2021 Time: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Adams County Farmer’s Market located at the Rabbit Transit bus station
(103 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA)
Kids Day is a great event where children of all ages can learn about healthy food and how local farmers grow their favorite garden treats. Complete with educational games, prizes, and face painting, Kids Day at the farmer’s market is a fun time for the whole family!
Overdose Awareness Taskforce - Memorial Walk
August 31 - Time 6:00 PM
Walk starts at the Adams County Courthouse and ends at the Gettysburg Area Rec Park
Labor Day Free 5K & Come Walk With Me
Date: Monday, September 6, 2021 Time: 8:00 a.m. (registration opens at 7:30 a.m.)
Location: Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel Complex (95 Presidential Circle, Gettysburg, PA)
Participants can take part in the timed 5K for the ‘Labor Day Free 5K’ or walk your own distance for ‘Come Walk With Me’. Events in addition to the run/walk include door prizes and medals for the first 50 children (12 and under) to finish, exhibitors, kids obstacle course and snacks. Pre-registration is not required. Free. For more information call (717) 337-4137 or email [email protected]. Free.
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OTHER RESOURCES and PROGRAMS
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Let your voice be heard! Join a Youth and Young Adult Advisory Meeting! Community Care is a nonprofit managed care organization. We oversee behavioral health care services and programs. Our belief is that behavioral health recovery is possible and that all individuals should have a voice in their treatment. For more information CLICK HERE.
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For those receiving Medical Assistance, Community Care Behavioral Health is the insurance (managed care organization) covering substance use disorder and mental health services for Adams County residents. Feel free to share our 24/7 member line(s) for Adams County and our website: Adams County Member Services (24/7): 1-866-738-9849 / En español: 1-866-229-3187 - Website: www.ccbh.com
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The Center for Youth and Community Development recently launched a community calendar on their website. The calendar will feature substance-free events in the community for both adults and families. To add your event please visit www.cfygettysburg.com/addevent or email Meghan Riordan at [email protected]
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