Welcoming IGNITE Youth Alliance to Cayuga Centers

We are excited to welcome IGNITE Youth Alliance staff from the Roundtable to Cayuga Centers. This partnership with the Routable, funded by Southeast Florida Behavioral Health network, Children's Services Council and the United Way, allows the IGNITE Youth Alliance direct access to our mental health and support services needed by the vulnerable families involved in this program.

IGNITE Youth Alliance (IYA) is a mentoring program in partnership with more than 30 other community partner agencies, providing services and opportunities for youth involved in or at high risk for being involved in gangs, high-risk street activities, and community violence. You can read more about how the Intervention team was able to help a youth who was sentenced as an adult and served several years in prison earn his high school diploma, successfully complete an internship, and plan for a successful career path on page 6 of the Roundtable Review from the Routable of St. Lucie County.

IYA is based on a national anti-violence model developed by the United States Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and supported by the National Gang Center. The goal of the program is to reduce gang-related crime, community violence, and victimization in St. Lucie County by providing alternatives and opportunities for youth. The program is voluntary and there is no cost for participants. Learn more about IGNITE here.

Paint n' Snack Series

Our Central New York team kicked off a new event series, Paint n' Snack, where youth and individuals take part in a fun-filled painting lesson.

In September, they learned how to paint pumpkins in a step-by-step tutorial. There were lots of smiles and laughter as these beautiful paintings were created.

Cayuga Centers Pumpkin Patch

Throughout October, Cayuga Centers' community shared their stories through their Pumpkin Portraits. These Portraits celebrate their individuality and what brings them joy. With the hashtag #CayugaPumpkinPatch, we were able to make a virtual gallery of beautifully decorated pumpkins that serve as a testament to the diversity and unity within our communities.

Central New York Fall Bash

As the fall season ended, departments throughout our agency gathered to host a family-friendly Fall Bash for youth and children in our CNY programs. Families enjoyed crafts, games, snacks and activities at various stations throughout our gymnasium.

Some activities offered were:

• A Fall-Themed Photobooth
• Rock Painting
• Foam Craft Making
• Pumpkin Putt-Putt
• Plinko
• Candy Corn Hole
• Pumpkin Punch
• Sensory Bottles
• Face Painting
• "Feed the Monster" Ball Toss
• Fall Jenga Mural Art

SheShells Shuffle for Kids Dance Party

Local bands held a benefit concert at the Sunset Restaurant on October 28 to support Auburn youth from Cayuga Centers and Booker T. Washington Community Center.

This event included performances by the SheShells, Mella-Morphosis, Mason & Dakota, and DJ OTM. Along with food and dancing, there were several raffle prizes offered throughout the night, such as, dog and cat baskets, a dinner at the Springside Inn, Starbucks gift cards and other local business donations!

Giving Tuesday: Together Towards Tomorrow!

On November 28th, 2023, people all around the world are coming together to tap into the power of human connection and strengthen communities and change our world. Will you be one of them?

Cayuga Centers will be participating in GivingTuesday and we need your help! This year our theme is "Together Towards Tomorrow: Longevity, Resilience & Evolution" - representing the journey we have been on this year, and what is yet to come.

By joining the Giving Tuesday movement, you are proving that in times of uncertainty, generosity can bring the whole world together. Here is how you can get ready to give:

1. Mark your calendar: Make sure to set a reminder for November 28th so you do not miss out!
2. Give: On November 28th, go to cayugacenters.org/donate and give to support at-risk youth, families and individuals.
3. Spread the word: Encourage your friends and family to join you in creating real impact on Novemember 28th by sharing what our mission means to you and why you support our organization. Make sure to use hashtag #GivingTuesday and tag us so we can share!

Give Miami Day - Early Giving Opens November 13th!

Get a head start on donating this season by visiting www.givemiamiday.org/organization/Cayuga-Home-For-Children to support our Miami-based programs! Learn more about the wide variety of programs we offer in the area here.

Celebrating 6 Years of Safe Care + New Accreditation!

We recently received SafeCare Accreditation for November 2023-24!

Being a SafeCare Accredited Agency, we are evaluated on quality assurance of staff's responsibilities, maintaining implementation standards, and ensuring that fundamental structure, measurement, and mastery are maintained and achieved. View the video below to learn more about our SafeCare program and how we have been helping families for six years.

Spread Joy this Holiday Season

Help us add a bit of twinkle to the eyes of youth served by Cayuga Centers this holiday season.

Cayuga Centers' 2023 Holiday Toy Drive will help create an experience for the youth in our foster care and community-based programs.

Shop local by using our gift guide below or browse our Amazon wishlist at cayugacenters.org/toy-drive!

cayugacenters.org/donate