MYC, JAG and UWTC Logo 

MYC & JAG
August 2015
Newsletter
 Thank you for a Great Summer Camp!

 

The Milford Youth Center would like to first thank all the families that attended this years MYC Summer Camp! The kids had a great summer, enjoying field trips and activities at the Center and around Town! We would also like to thank the organizations and businesses that have generously donated and supported our summer camp program this year:  

The Milford National Bank and its Charitable Foundation, RICOH USA, John Hayes and Poland Springs, Trinity Episcopal Church and the Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition, Pizza Palace, and Ron Auger for conducting CPR certification for our summer staff!

For more pictures from camp, click here

 Over 200 lunches provided to MYC Campers! 

 

The Youth Center would like to make a special thanks to Trinity Episcopal Church and the Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition, for organizing free lunches, available to all our campers this summer!! It's due to the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and individuals 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!

 After School Program Updates!

 

We hope everyone had great summer and enjoying the start of school! The Center will be opening its After School program this school year at the 27 Congress St. location. This location will be utilized until we are able to relocate to the newly renovated Armory! 


 
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). The game room is open daily and activities will be open/held outside depending on the weather. Click here for full September calendar. 


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

Volunteers are always welcome to assist with the after school program or during the morning hours! We are always looking for help during the after school hours, 2-6 PM. You may also run a program/activity during the after school program.  We also need volunteers for our monthly evening events. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer and print, sign, and return this form to the Center!
 MYC & JAG to Partner with SCI AmeriCorps! 

 

We're excited to announce that the SCI AmeriCorps program has expanded to several new communities, including Milford, Salem, Bellingham, New Bedford! 


 

On their way to 25 total members, they are still actively recruiting for several open positions at their partner sites, both new and returning, throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Members are divided into two teams, Youth Leadership Coordinators and Volunteer Outreach Coordinators, and serve for ten months beginning in September 2015. 


If you know someone who may be interested, direct he/she to review the position descriptions
 at our website. To apply, candidates should send a cover letter and resume to the program manager at: AmeriCorps@socialcapitalinc.org.  

 

We are very proud to partner, once again, with Social Capital Inc. and their AmeriCorps program this year!!! This grant will allow us to share a full time AmeriCorps members with the Juvenile Advocacy Group. We look forward to working with SCI to look for ways to improve and grow our youth leadership program and community collaboration!

Thank you Metrowest College Planning Center 

 

We would like to thank the Metrowest College Planning Center and Debora Monteiro for helping offering several educational programs over the summer for our members and the community! Ten of our after school members experienced a college tour experience to Framingham State and Mass Bay! In addition, we would like to thank Biruk, from Regis College, for visiting our summer camp twice, to talk about college and his experiences from growing up at a Youth Center and finding his way to success! He also played sports with the campers after answering questions. Finally, there is an ongoing program, at the Milford Town Library from 4pm to 7pm, to assist in educational advising! There are 1 to 2 College & Career Advisors that are available in the ESL Room downstairs to answer questions residents may have about college planning, career planning, financial aid, and more. Click here for flier! 

Studio 109 Supports Youth Fashion Show!

 

Unfortunately, due to the renovation of the Youth Center, we were unable to host one of our favorite events this year, our "Dressed Up, Not Messed Up" Youth Fashion Show! Despite this, we are already in the planning stages of making our 6th Annual Fashion Show larger and even more successful! We are happy to partner with Studio 109 of Millis! From August until January, the salon will donate 10% of all proceeds from the Milford Youth Center members for the cost of the runway fashion outfits. The money raised will go towards the cost of the children's clothing. In addition Event Hair's staff will be assisting in styling the children at T. J.Maxx, styling hair, and make up the evening of the performance! Click here for more information and the form to use to help support this cause, or just mention the MYC Fashion Show, when you make your appointment! The event will be scheduled for February 2016! More event details for the Fashion Show will be available at a later date!

 Only a 8 bricks are left!!!

 

Would you like to take part in an opportunity to leave a lasting mark in front of the newly renovated Milford Youth Center, anticipated to be completed in October of 2015!?

 

We only have a few, of the 48 bricks available to be sponsored, which will be located on the walkway as you enter the building. If you are interested in purchasing a brick, we are selling them for $125.00 each. Each brick measures, 4" x 8", with three lines and 18 characters per line allowed to be engraved! 


 

Click here for form - they are going fast and they are first come, first serve! 

Teachers Driving Academy
 2015-2016 Classes!

We are accepting registrations for Teacher's Driving Academy for the 2015- 2016 school year! The Milford Youth Center is pleased to partner with Teachers Driving Academy to offer students a great program, at a reasonable price, with added convenience of taking classes right at school! For more information, click hereEvery registration fee is made out the Milford Youth Center as a donation from the TDA. We are very grateful for this collaboration and support!     

First Adult JAG Meeting

 

The adult JAG Coalition will have its first meeting of the year on Wed., September 9th, at 8:45 am, at the Milford Police Station Training room. 

 

The Juvenile Advocacy Group (JAG) provides an opportunity for youth, parents, community agencies, schools, state and local institutions, volunteers and our faith communities to network, coordinate services, identify and respond to emerging needs in the Greater Milford community. Through youth-adult collaboration JAG seeks to engage all sectors in the Greater Milford Area to promote healthy development for youth and families by reducing substance use, lowering risk factors and strengthening protective factors. For more information, contact Amy Leone 

Y.O.U., Inc.'s Education for Employment 

If you are a youth, age 16-24, Y.O.U., Inc.'s Education for Employment program may be for you.  The Education for Employment program provides HiSET (formerly the GED) preparation, life skills and pro-social skills training, career assessment, job training and placement assistance, FAFSA assistance, and college exploration. In order to participate in this free program, youth must qualify. To find out if you qualify contact Christine Daddario: 508-473-2178 or daddarioc@youinc.org.

 

This program is funded through the Workforce Investment Act and Workforce Central Career Center.

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

 

 

Do you Want a Stress-free Start to School?

Join us to navigate your transition back to school without stress! Our goal is for you to learn to:  Tune-in to your body, Learn ways to find relaxation within yourself, Increase mindfulness, and become more aware of the power in you.  Each member will learn to develop skills to deal with stress, cope with challenges, and transition back to school with confidence. Group discussion and journaling is incorporated (journal provided for participants).


 

Group is for open to male and females, ages 14-18 experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Our group will run on Mondays at 2:00pm and Wednesdays at 4:00pm - beginning August 3rd and running until September 9th.  Teens can come to this 1hour group 2x per week throughout the 6 weeks! All major insurance will be accepted with the expectations of co-payments made at the start of each session. To register visit www.communityimpactinc.net or call 508-422-0242

 

Other Yoga Programs include:

  1. Teen Yoga & Art - 45 Minutes of therapeutic yoga, followed by 45 minutes of expressive art! Click here for more information!
  2. Peaceful Empowerment45 Minutes of therapeutic yoga, followed by 45 minutes of expressive art! Click here for more information!
SHINE A BRIGHT LIGHT 

Together the Juvenile Advocacy Group (JAG), Community Impact Inc., The HOPE support group, the S.A.F.E coalition, Milford Regional Medical Center and the Missin' Matt Foundation are joining forces to increase the essential need for resources, support, interventions and prevention for those struggling with an addiction, not only themselves but for those within their families.

 

To get involved in "Shine a Bright Light" or if you need support please email:

Opiate Addiction Awareness Walk in Milford

Join the first annual Missin' Matt Walk and walk for a couple of miles, listen, learn and be a part of the solution. This walk is in remembrance of Matthew A. Bertulli, who died on November 3rd, 2012 at the age of 27. His young life was abruptly ended by a heroin overdose. "We walk for Matt, we walk to bring education, we walk to help stop the judgement, we walk to give hope and we walk to help.  Our goal is to make a difference in our community." - Kattie Truit, Matt's mom

 

The walk is on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Milford Town Park. For more information and registration, click here

Franklin H.O.P.E Support Group

Our support group, Franklin H.O.P.E. (Helping Ourselves and Preserving Each Other) has formed and meets every Monday night from 7:00-8:30 at the Unitarian Universalist Church , 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin.
The group is for parents and families struggling with the addiction of a loved one. Our mission is as follows
"Franklin HOPE offers peer support and resources for parents and family members coping with a loved one's addiction. Meetings take place every Monday night from 7:00 - 8:30 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Franklin. Our meetings offer a safe and anonymous place to exchange ideas and provide support to one another. Many also find it helpful to simply sit and listen finding comfort in knowing they aren't alone. Please join us." For any more information, contact Jim Derick at 508-596-4985. 
 

SAFE Coalition Meeting in Franklin 

The Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment or S.A.F.E coalition will meet at 7 p.m., Aug. 12 at Franklin High School. 

 

The second meeting will feature Dr. John Kelly, the director of the Addiction Recovery Management Service at Mass General Hospital in Boston. Kelly, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, is expected to cover the genetics of addiction and the need to frame the dialogue on the opioid epidemic as a public health crisis rather than a drug problem.


 

For more information, contact Jeff Roy at Jeff.Roy@mahouse.gov or Ben Waters at benwaters.bw@gmail.com
 

International Overdose Awareness Day

The Regional Response to Addiction Partnership is marking International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 with a Candlelight Vigil, in remembrance of those lost; we invite you to join us.


Overdose Awareness Day has been a key remembrance event for those who have died from fatal drug overdoses since 2001. On August 31 thousands of people worldwide will stand alongside the friends and families of fatal overdose victims to reflect on those who have been lost. The event is organised on the understanding that no-one need feel shame or disgrace over a drug overdose. 


Overdose Awareness Day offers all who have been affected by overdose a chance to publicly mourn and help the wider community understand that fatal overdose profoundly affects mainstream society.
The day also serves as a warning that not only illicit drugs can be dangerous and no-one is immune to overdose. Opioids and other medications play an important medical role but their improper use can have tragic long-term consequences.


Participation in the Candlelight Vigil at Fuller Family Park on International Overdose Awareness Day is free. Anyone wishing to be involved may do so.

 

For more information contact Cassandra Andersen at andersenc@worcesterma.gov or 857-208-9303.
 

 

     

    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.
August 10, 2015
In This Issue
MYC Summer Camp Thank you
MYC End of the Year Party
MYC Seaver Scholarship
MYC Seaver Scholarship
RICOH USA Awards Youth Center
RICOH USA Awards Youth Center
MYC Brick Fundraiser
TDA
JAG Meeting
You Inc. EFE
Free Community Meals
Yoga Classes
SHINE A BRIGHT LIGHT
Missin' Matt Walk
Franklin H.O.P.E
SAFE Coalition
International Overdose Awareness Day

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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.
phone: 508.422.0242 
web: http://www.JAGnetwork.org


Milford Youth Center:  milfordyouthcenter@comcast.net
phone: 508.473.1756
web: http://milfordyouthcenter.net/