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MYC & JAG
March 2016
Newsletter
 After School Program Updates!

The Milford Youth Center's temporary location at 27 Congress St. is now CLOSED. Thank you to everyone who made our last few days at the Center special! 

Due to the ongoing renovation of the Armory, which houses the Milford Youth Center, the Center has operated out of this temporary location.  Despite this transition, the Center was still able to run an After School and Summer Camp program. 

We would like to thank everyone who helped the Center during this transition, especially Nancy Milani and John Dulude for volunteering throughout this school year!



 Renovation Update!

The temporary location of the Milford Youth Center, at 27 Congress St., closed the doors for the After School program on Monday February, 29, 2016. We will be using this time to transition over to the 24 Pearl St. location.  A big thank you to  to Arthur Siipola and Alfred Scioli for allowing us to rent the property for the last year and a half! 

We do not have an exact date of when the After School program will be reopening but we will make that announcement as soon as available. We look forward to seeing everyone at our Grand Opening (Date TBA) and thank everyone for their patience during this transition!

 Part-Time Job Opportunities at the MYC!

The Milford Youth Center will be opening up two part-time positions for our return back to the Armory! One position will be for the After School hours from 2-6 PM, as an Activities Supervisor and the second position, Program Facilitator, will be utilized for both After School hours and rental times, both evenings and weekends. We are looking for mature young adults (18+) for these positions, who are good with kids and hardworking. For application, click  here.  Please return to Milford Youth Center, along with a resume, at 27 Congress St., Milford., MA 01757. Applications are due by March 18th, 2016
MYC Thanks Community for Donations!

The Milford Youth Center has many people to thank this month! There were many generous individual and group donations. We are so grateful and would not be successful without the help of caring community members!

We would like to thank CubeSmart Self Storage for donating boxes to the Youth Center to help us move! We would also like to thank Kristen Insani of Milford for donating some lightly used furniture to use in the new Youth Center! A thank you to  John Dulude, our volunteer, as well for letting us use your truck and for helping us move it!

Thank you Milford Sports Center for allowing the Milford Youth Center After School program to play dodge ball at your location during the month of February. The Center went to the MSC every Monday and Thursday, for the month of February. We greatly appreciate your generosity! 
 SCI AmeriCorps Collaboration!

Check out some of our Youth Center and JAG Youth Council members with Social Capital Inc. AmeriCorps members! Our AmeriCorps member, Mackenzie, was joined by her fellow AmeriCorps members serving in the communities of Franklin and Bellingham!

The mission of SCI Social Capital Inc. is to strengthen communities by connecting diverse  individuals and organizations through civic engagement initiatives.  Our goal is to help individuals being strongly connected to their neighbors and play an active role in shaping their communities.  This  increas e in 'social capital' will result in communities that are safer, healthier and m ore vital.  
Teachers Driving Academy
 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 to "The Town of Milford- Milford Youth Center" as a donation from the TDA. Please mail form to our temporary address, 27 Congress St.  We are very grateful for this collaboration and support!     

JAG Coalition Updates
Thank you Gianna, Brynn and Aly, JAG Youth Council members, for joining us at the February adult Juvenile Advocacy Group meeting!

In lieu of next month's (April) meeting, JAG will be hosting their 4th Annual Networking Breakfast on April 6th. For more information and to register online for the event, click here

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
United Way of Tri-County Ready to Read Program is Launching in Milford!
Ready to Read distributes 12 new books each year to children in low-income families. Children are eligible to participate in Ready to Read from birth until entering kindergarten, building a home library during their formative years to develop early literacy skills.  Sign up to volunteer today! Help us build momentum in Milford. Volunteers will register families for Ready to Read, distribute books to children, and engage with families on reading and other activities. 

Date: Wednesday, March 9
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Location: 11 Luby Avenue, Milford
SPACE IS LIMITED
Please reply to Jess at [email protected] or (508) 370-4858
Sign Up TODAY:
JAG'S 4th Annual Networking Breakfast

The Juvenile Advocacy Group (JAG) has continued to work, for the past ten 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. This year we have continued to regionalize our efforts even further with the partnership of the S.A.F.E coalition and reaching out further to over eleven towns. JAG believes in making connections, forming relationships which in turn has allowed us to spread our efforts throughout Worcester and Norfolk Counties. 

The theme this year is "The Power of Connections". As stated by Brene Brown, PHD, LMSW, "Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued - when they can give and receive without judgement." This year we will be joined by The Walhberg Foundation (yes one of them will be there) for a viewing of their documentary "If Only" addressing all aspects of the epidemic our youth and families are facing today. It is the power of our voices, and with the connections formed in the room, together we have the ability to be part of a larger solution for those in our lives struggling both personally and professionally. 

Register TODAY here register for our FREE 4th annual behavioral health and substance abuse networking breakfast scheduled on Wednesday, April 6th from 8:30-11:30am at the Doubletree Hotel in Milford. PLEASE SHARE!
MYC/JAG Youth Fashion Show INFO Meeting!

Join us for an informational and sign-up meeting for our 6th Annual "Dressed Up, Not Messed Up" Fashion Show!
The meeting is will be Wednesday,  April 27th at 6:30 pm at the Milford Youth Center. This is a mandatory meeting that all parents/guardians and  participants must attend!

At the meeting, youth and their families will sign up for hair and/or make-up and outfit times at T.J. Maxx of Milford. Youth will also need permission and photo release forms signed.  The date of the fashion show is Saturday, May 14th. We are also  pleased iso announce that we will be collaborating with Chair Secrets by Meredith Carbary at the Hair Salon in Medway. Click here for flier on how to get great hair services and help out a great cause! J OJOS Barbershop will also be offering fades for the boys in the show!

Through this event we plan to raise awareness about underage drinking and help teens become better informed about the dangers of alcohol so they can make healthy decisions throughout life. We also hope this event will increase youth self-esteem and attitudes toward their body image! This will also be our first youth event at the newly renovated Youth Center!!!

MYC/JAG Relay for Life Team! 
The JAG Youth Council and Milford Youth Center has signed up to participate in the Relay for Life of Greater Milford for the fourth year in a row! 
 
The JAG Youth Council decided that they wanted to participate in Milford's Relay for Life on May 6th to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. Relay teams camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around the high school. Relay events are up to 24 hours in length and, because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times. To donate to the MYC & JAG team, click  here or click on the Relay for Life Image above. To see photos from last year's event, click  here.  

CHNA 6 Updates
The next CHNA 6 meeting will be held  Friday, March 11th , at the Milford Senior Center (60 N. Bow St. Milford) from 9-11 AM. The agenda will include:
  • Grant Award Announcements
  • Mini-Grant guidelines
  • Panel on "Topics of Aging"
  • Please fill out this  survey to help us with future topics!
The mission of CHNA 6 is to identify, plan and advocate for a healthier community. We are dedicated to the promotion of accessible multigenerational services that assist people to lead healthier lives. CHNA 6 represents the communities of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon,Milford, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge.
 
For more information, contact  Ellen Freedman
United Way of Tri-County Community Recognition Event

On Thursday April 7th, the United Way of Tri-County will host their annual Recognition Event Breakfast! The event will be held at the Best Western Royal Plaza in Marlborough, from 7:30 am - 9:30 am. At the event, the United Way of Tri-County honors several volunteers, partners, programs, and supporters, as well as providing a breakfast and Keynote Speaker, Dan Pallotta.

Members of the Milford Youth Center annually attend this event to show our gratitude for the years or support from the United Way of Tri-County! We would not be able to accomplish everything we do without their c ontinued confidence and support!  For more information of event and to purchase tickets, click  here
S.A.F.E. Updates

SAFE Coalition April Calendar Raffle

Help Support the SAFE Coalition
Donation : $20 per Calendar
1 - $1000 prize
1 - $500 prize
4 - $100 prizes
20 - $25.00 prizes

Your name will be registered for all drawings.
Winners will be contacted at the address supplied.
Winners do not need to be present to win.


Donate below: 
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Dream Day at Cape Cod 

Dream Day at Cape Cod is accepting applications for this summer's camp experience.
 
This wonderful opportunity brings together each week 8 families who have a child (up to age 18) with serious health conditions to come and enjoy time away at the beach - at no cost! This year, there will be 7 weeks of camp, including one week dedicated to families from Cape Cod and the Islands! That means 56 families coming to vacation, with loads of activities and support from Camp Nan-Ke-Rafestaff and volunteers.
 
What could be better than a vacation week at the Cape - at no cost! Consider friends you have in the special needs community who just might like to come along...see if there are 2 cabins available, to double your fun!
 
DON'T DELAY - WEEKS FILL UP FAST! To learn more about Dream Day and to download an application, please visit here. 

18 and 22 Transition Presentation 

The Northbridge Special Education Parent Advisory Council is hosting a presentation on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Northbridge High School Media Center, Second Floor, 427 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA from 7 - 9 p.m.  The Special Education Parent Advisory Councils of Douglas, Uxbridge, Sutton, Hopedale, Milford, Blackstone-Millville Regional, and Blackstone Valley Regional Technical High Schools will be co-hosting the presentation.
 
The Department of Developmental Services will be presenting information regarding ages 18 and 22 transitions.  The information will include timelines and the roles of school personnel, family members, and service providers.  Also community supports/services and post-secondary options.  The presentation will be held in collaboration with Alternatives Unlimited of Whitinsville, Kennedy-Donovan Center of Milford, and Seven Hills Aspire Milford/Worcester programs.  There will be handouts and a question and answer time. F or more information on this free parent workshop or to learn more about the Northbridge Special Education Parent Advisory Council, please contact Kathy Lyons at  [email protected]  

MIAA Faces of Addiction Workshop
The Faces of Addiction: The Opioid Crisis The Journey from Pain Killers to Addiction 
Monday March 21, 2016 from 8:30am to 2:30pm at the MIAA Conference Center: 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038 - Registration begins at 8:00am; workshop begins promptly at 8:30am. Flier for Registration:  Faces of Addiction Flier

Part of an annual series, the focus of the 2016 workshop features:
The medical nature of the brain and addiction *  Signs and symptoms of use *  The connection  between prescription drugs and heroin addiction *  The prevalence of heroin use in communities  *  Supporting students returning to school following rehab stays *  Personal recovery stories *  Prevention strategies and activities for athletic teams and school activity groups *  6 Professional Development Hours are available following completion of the workshop.

Celebrate Milford Event!
On Saturday, May 14, 2016, the Town of Milford will be celebrating its rich culture, history and community diversity at the first ever CELEBRATE MILFORD event. The celebration will take place in and around the Milford Town Park, including Memorial Hall, Stacey Middle School and the Milford Town Library, from 10am to 8pm. 

Kicking off the celebration will be the Parade of Local Youth Organizations celebrating the local youth in our community and the organizations that make Milford unique, special and community spirit rich. 

A myriad of entertainment and art will be featured throughout the day. Bring a blanket and lawn chair and enjoy local bands and musicians performing on the park pavilion while local artist showcase their talents throughout the park. Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra will be performing upstairs in historic Memorial Hall while more local art will brighten the basement. 

If you are a business, organization, entertainer, or if you would like to help out as a volunteer at Celebrate Milford please email [email protected] to find out how you can get involved. Vendor spaces and sponsorships of various levels are also available.
Support Groups in Worcester  
An updated list of support groups for families, parents, teens, and children in and around Worcester, MA. The list includes resources for services such as childcare, financial help, LGBT communities, individuals with autism, etc. 
Here is the link to the support group pdf:  Support Group List

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 [email protected].

 

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

Chris Herren Project's Purple and Proud! After Prom Grant Program 
The pr ogram is open to  high schools and prep schools across the United States who are hosting a substance-free after prom party promoting  positive decision making and standing up to drug and alcohol use. 

Who can apply: Schools must host a prom or after prom party promoting substance-free ac tivities and fun. Submit an overview of event and explain substance-free theme and how it will be promoted. Submit any photos, social media, etc. to enhance application. 

Must be submitted by 3pm on April 1st, 2016 online at www.theherrenproject.org or www.THPprojectpurple.org. For more  information, click on the pdf included here  .
FREE New Dads Group 
(And other free support grou ps)

This FREE group offers New Dads an opportunity to ask questions, learn skills, share experiences of fatherhood and make new friends. Group are led by an experienced male facilitator in a supportive child friendly environment.
Eight week series meeting for 90 minutes
Thursdays from 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Series starts March 24, 2016
*Group sizes are limited' pre-registration is required.

For more information please visit here or call 617-332-3666 x 1123
Uxbridge Community Forum on Substance Abuse Prevention and Mental Health Resources

On Tuesday, March 8, 2016, the Uxbridge Coalition for a Community of Caring, in partnership with a number of community organizations, the office of Representative Kevin Kuros (R-Uxbridge), the office of the Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early, Uxbridge Police and Fire, and the Uxbridge High School, will be hosting a Community Forum on substance abuse prevention and mental health resources. 

The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 7:00pm and will be hosted at the Uxbridge High School auditorium. 

For more information, click this link here.
Upcoming Milford Parent Support Group 
A support group for parents of children/teens with special needs hosted every first and third Wednesday night of each month. 

6-8pm
March 16th
Kennedy Donovan Center
Milford, MA 01757

Click here for more information and how to RSVP (if you need childcare during the meeting). 
Upcoming Young Adult Recovery Community Advisory Board Meeting!
The Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services hosts the Young Adult Recovery Community Advisory Board (YARCAB) meetings in Worcester, MA. Their next meeting is
Monday, March 21 from 5:30 to 7:00pm at
Everyday Miracles on 25 Pleasant St, Worcester.

For more information you may contact Jess Hudon at [email protected] or go to YARCAB MA on Facebook or click on the flyer featured in this article. 
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

 

 

 

     

    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 [email protected].
March 7, 2016
In This Issue
After School Program Updates
Renovation Update!
Job Opportunities
MYC Donations
SCI AmeriCorps Member
TDA
JAG Meeting and Info
Ready to Read Program
JAG Networking Breakfast
MYC/JAG Fashion Show
MYC/JAG Relay for Life Team!
CHNA 6 Updates
UWTC Community Recognition Event
SAFE Updates
Dream Day at Cape Cod
18 and 22 Transition Presentation
MIAA Faces of Addiction Workshop
Celebrate Milford Event
Support Groups in Worcester
You Inc. EFE
Purple and Proud Grant Program
Free Support Groups
Uxbridge Community Forum
Milford Parent Support Group
YARCAB Meeting
Free Community Meals

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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.

Juvenile Advocacy Group:  [email protected]
phone: 508.422.0242 
web: http://www.JAGnetwork.org


Milford Youth Center:  [email protected]
phone: 508.473.1756
web: http://milfordyouthcenter.net/