MYC, JAG and UWTC Logo 

MYC & JAG
October 2013
Newsletter
MYC Adult Halloween Fundraiser!

Join us for the first MYC Adult Halloween Fundraiser at the Milford Youth Center on Friday, October 25th from 8 PM - Midnight! 

 

The event will include a cash bar (beer & wine), appetizers, and music! Make sure to wear your Halloween costume - there will be prizes for the best male and female costumes! There will also be a photo booth!!! This fundraiser is being held to help support the programming at the MYC. We would like to thank Roche Brothers of Millis for their generous donation towards the events. We would also like to thank Spallone & Son, Inc. for donating their services to help make the final touches on our photo booth!

 

Tickets are available now at the Center or at the door! Tickets will be $20 each! You must be 21+ to attend this event. If you have any questions about tickets call 508-473-1756 or email us! 

MYC After School Program!
MYC Youth

We would like to welcome you and your family to the second 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, Boxing Conditioning, Kids Choice, and many other daily physical fitness activities/open gym. Click here for our October Calendar! For our event calendar for the year, click hereThe Milford Youth Center after school program is open for youth ages 8-18, free of charge, from 2-6 pm Monday through Friday. 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: Linda Hertz, United Way of Tri-County, Teachers Driving Academy, Christine Daddario for running our Arts & Crafts program, Pinto's Plumbing for helping to fix our water fountain, P&J's Vending for fixing our vending machine and the Milford National Bank and Trust Company for donating office supplies! 
Find Yourself Friday
Youth Halloween Party!

Join us for the second Find Yourself Friday youth event of the school year on Friday, November 1st from 6:30 - 9:00 PM at the Milford Youth Center! The event will include a DJ, music, games, food & beverages for sale, a jumpy, a movie, raffle prizes, face & pumpkin painting, a costume contest, and a HAUNTED MAZE!

 

The JAG Youth Council and Milford Youth Center will be collecting donations for the food pantry at the event. Click here for list of items we are looking to collect. All items will be donated to The Milford Daily Bread Food Pantry, as part of a larger collection campaign with the Healthy Futures- Milford Task Force and Hannafords. If you bring a donation the event will cost $2 to enter. If not the entrance fee is $3 per person. You must have an MYC registration form to attend this event, and once entered you may not leave unless its for the rest of the night!   
If you would like to volunteer and/or donate a raffle prize at the event please contact Jen Ward.
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!     

Ben Classic 3 vs. 3 B-Ball Tournament!

Join us for a 3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament at the Milford Youth Center on Saturday, October 12th!

 

This tournament is a fundraiser to honor a fallen brother who was loved by many. Five years ago in May Benjamin Nick Gonzalez passed away and has been missed ever since. He left behind two beautiful children, Simone and Silas, in which this fundraiser is for. Benji's favorite pass time was basketball- so let's honor him, and bring your A game to the court and represent to the fullest for the BNG!!

 

For registration form, click here.  

Please make check payable to Simone Genesis Gonzalez

and return payment and this bottom section to the Center at 24 Pearl St. Milford, Ma 01757.

Benefit Dinner for Jake Gallerani

Join us on Saturday, October 19th at the Milford Youth Center, for a benefit dinner for Jake Gallerani, a young boy from Uxbridge. During the past six months Jake has had 3 surgeries to remove tumors from his head.  Jake has a very rare case of Sarcoma which is aggressive and difficult to combat.  He has responded very well to his surgeries, but it is apparent that there is a need to find a treatment to his specific case.  Experimental testing being conducted at Children's Hospital in an attempt to figure out a way to make Jake healthy again is not covered by insurance and will exceed $25,000.

 

This year was not anything like what most kids experience for Jake and his family: he did not vacation, have sleepovers (other than the hospital) and barely participated in any of the sports he loves. School was very spotty as he needed to avoid any and all outside illnesses.  As we are all getting ready for school to begin for our kids, his parents are getting prepared for another long run of chemo and treatments. I am sure none of us can even imagine.

 

We hope you can participate and enjoy an evening in which we can have some fun and help a family in need of something good to happen. 

There will be a DJ, dancing, auction items. Oliva's is providing food for the event and there will be a cash beer and wine bar. Tickets are being sold now so please see the event flyer for details. 

Next JAG Meeting 

Please join us for our next JAG meeting on Wednesday, November 6th at 8:45 am at the Milford Police Station Training Room.

  

This month we will be joined by consultant Lauren Gilman from EDC to help us 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 

First Find Yourself Friday a Success!

The Milford Youth Center and JAG Youth Council hosted a "Find Yourself Friday" Youth event on Friday, September 27th from 6:30-9:00 PM at the Milford Youth Center. The event included over 100 youth and they enjoyed music, dancing, snacks, a jumpy, a movie, a Photobooth, raffle prizes, and games!

 

For the fourth year in a row the JAG Youth Council and the Milford Youth Center collected gently used or new sneakers to be sent over and handed out volunteers in December for youth in need in the Dominican Republic. Participants also made Arts & Crafts to be sent over as a Holiday gift. The Youth in the DR will return the favor and make Arts & Crafts for youth in Milford! We are still collecting gently used or new sneakers to be sent over. You may drop it off anytime during the After School program, Monday - Friday from 2-6 PM.

 

We would like to thank the volunteers who helped make the event a success, including the Dunbar family, Alison Julian, Jenny Gonzalez, Sandy Caproni, Jack Ward, Milford High School CARE and all the JAG Youth Council members! We would also like Pizza Palace for donating raffle prizes towards "Find Yourself Fridays" and Hannafords of Milford for supporting our Find Yourself Friday events with donations of snacks and drinks! 

 

For photos of event, click here

Recovery Group

Community Impact will be running an ongoing  "Recovery" group, on Thursdays from 8-9 PM, for young men and women who have had prior struggles with drugs and alcohol and are presently working towards recovery.

This group is intended for members to realize that they are not alone, comforted that all those thoughts, feelings, shame, and, guilt, are the similar to the person next them. Together with the help of a licensed therapist group members will be guided in taking responsibility, 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.   

 

The ultimate goal of "Recovery" Group is to identify the deeper-rooted problems within him or herself that triggered to the solutions of continued drug use.

 

For more information or to register contact Amy Leone at 508-422-0242 ext 1 or communityimpactinc@gmail.com

"Recovery" Yoga

Are you struggling with a past addiction or having trouble finding truth within yourself and letting go of the past?

 

If you said Yes, please join us on Wednesdays from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, starting October 9th!

 

This is a 6-week yoga session for young men and women. 

 

Cost: $90.00

Payment needs to be made prior to start of group sessions

 

To register contact Tracy Ward 508-296-8290.  

 

Chris Herren Presentation 

On September 24th, Chris Herron presented to Milford High School students as well as held an evening presentation for parents and the community around the risks of substance abuse and his personal experience.

The following day, Chris reached out to Milford Schools informing them that the emails continue to come in to his office regarding drug, alcohol and cutting behavior. 

 

This only reminds us that we, together as a Town, needs to collaborate and join all our efforts to reduce drug and alcohol use. If your interested in learning more feel free to contact JAG chair Amy Leone at communityimpactinc@gmail.com 

 

Click here for some local resources. Click here for Milford Daily News article. 

 

6th Annual Milford 5k, Tots run and Fun

The Milford Play Initiative is happy to announce that they raised over $2000.00 at this year's event.  It was a beautiful, sunny day with many families in attendance.  We would like to thank all of the participants that came out varying in age from 1 year old tots to runners in their 60's.  Congratulations to Kevin Peloquin from Pawtucket who won the race in 18 minutes and 12 seconds and Kim McGuire who placed first of the women with a time of 18 minutes 44 seconds.  For a complete list of times please follow this link on coolrunning.com : Results of Race .

 

We would like to thank all of the volunteers and vendors.  Special thanks to the Milford Elementary Catholic Church, The Milford National Bank, The Creative Community Childcare Center, The Charles River Bank and Choffy for their donations towards this year's race.  We would also like to Thank the Milford Youth Center for their volunteer efforts year after year, for their help with tables and water at this year's event.  Special thanks to Hannaford's for supplying oranges, bananas and bagels and Shaw's for their gift card donation that helped with the purchase of water for the race.  Also a special thanks to all of you from the Community that came out to help, that brought your families and joined in to make this a successful event.

 

Lastly, we would like to thank the Board Members and volunteers from the Milford Play Initiative who are working so hard to raise money for area playgrounds and to the Milford Regional hospital for their continued support and guidance in our fundraising efforts.

Milford 5th Annual CROP Walk for Hunger

The 5th Annual Greater Milford CROP Walk for Hunger will take place onSaturday, Oct. 26th. 

Everyone is Welcome to Walk!

 

LOCATION & TIME:

Location: First Congregational Church of Milford, 4 Congress St.
Registration: 9:00 a.m., Walk: 10:00 a.m. A brief opening ceremony will be held at Draper Park which is directly across the street from the church.

CONTACT:

Dennis LaPlante, 508-330-4159, dennis@partnersbydesignllc.com

 

ABOUT THE WALK:

We are having a very special Coffee House on Saturday October 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Milford, 4 Congress Street, Milford. Admission is $3. Bert Marshall will be one of three acts performing. Come enjoy the music, free trade coffee and tasty desserts!  All proceeds will go to the Greater Milford CROP Walk.

CROP Hunger Walks are community-wide events sponsored by CWS and organized by local volunteers to raise funds to end hunger.


Join the JAG Youth Council and Milford Youth Center team or make a donation to our team by clicking here!

Healthy Futures of Milford Updates!

Starting TODAY Hannafords of Milford will be collecting donation items for The Milford Daily Bread Food Pantry! There will be a special display to help shoppers pick not only items that are in need but only healthier! 

 

The Healthy Futures- Milford Task Force is working together with the Food Pantry to help  families in our community. The vision of the Task Force is to increase access to healthy eating within the Milford Community. With regard to this specific effort, we are working to ensure that everyone in our community has access to healthy foods as well as he skills to prepare simple, delicious, and affordable meals. Click here for a list of items we are looking to collect! In addition to a collection at Hannafords, the Milford Youth Center will also have a collection box in the main lobby (items can be dropped off between 2-6 PM, Mon-Fri). 


To get mobile alerts about more healthy happenings in Milford, text "WALK1" to 88000. Click here for Milford Daily News article about the demand for food at local food pantries featuring the Daily Bread in Milford. 

Community Day Program and Home Safety Planning

The Kennedy Donovan Center, Milford Fire Department and the Milford Family Community & Network are collaborating together to present to you a Home Safety Planning program along with a Community Day to introduce and familiarize children with special needs with the first responders in our town and home safety planning steps.  These are projects of the ALEC (Autism & Law Enforcement Education Coalition) Programs. 

 

 Registration is required and space is limited. If you have any questions, or to register for these programs, please call either Marty Schneier at 508-473-5700, ext. 204,  or Sara Humiston at 508-634-2356

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 Workshop: Navigating the Issue of Substance Use for a Healthy College Launch 

Your child has been accepted to college. Are you concerned about the following...

 

How can I support my daughter in making healthy decisions without appearing overbearing?

 

Are my son's drinking habits typical of other students or does he have a substance use issue?

 

Where do we turn for support if we suspect our child is struggling with substances?

 

Please join Sarah Allen Benton, MS, LMHC and Diana Clark, JD, MA for a presentation and discussion about parental support of a child's college launch, and issues around substance use.

 

When: Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 6:00 pm with light refreshments   served.

Location: Harvard Club, 374 Commonwealth Ave., Boston MA.

Cost: Event is sponsored by O'Connor Professional Group and is free       of charge. Suggested donation to the National Youth In  Recovery Foundation.

 

RSVP: Kaitlin Freeman at kfreeman@oconnorpg.com or by phone         at (617) 910-3940 x301 by 10/1/13.

 

For flier, click here

 

CHNA-6 Grants Available! 

Community Partners for Health (CHNA 6) is pleased to announce that it is making available $12,000 in
mini-grants for FY 2014. The grant period is from December 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014. CHNA-6  has always been a great supporter of the Youth Center and JAG Youth Council, awarding a mini-grant last year to support DJ equipment to help sustain our Find Yourself Friday Events at the Milford Youth Center!

 

Click here for grant application and here for budget form. 

 

Proposals should be submitted via e-mail no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 18, 2013 to:


Ellen Freedman, CHNA Coordinator
E-mail address: EFREEDMAN@milreg.org

Parent Partnership Support Groups

See Below for October 2013 Calendar for Parent Partnership Support Groups! These events are free, everyone is welcome!

  

Monday October 7, 10:00am - 11:30am Parents Support Group:  A group just 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, opposite the MetroWest Medical Center Hospital.

Wednesday October 16, 7:00 - 8:30pm Parents Transitional Age Group:  A group for parents/guardians who have young adults 16-24 years of age. Support will be given around your young adult's behavior, emotions or mental health challenges. We meet at 88 Lincoln St, Framingham, opposite the MetroWest Medical Center Hospital.

Monday October 21, 10:00am - 11:30am Parents Support Group:  A group just 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, opposite the MetroWest Medical Center Hospital.

Wednesday October 30, 7pm - 9pm Understanding My Child's Learning Style: Special presentation by the Federation for Children with Special Needs. The different ways people take in and generate information can greatly affect how and whether they succeed in school and in life. This workshop will delve into different learning styles and show how they can be understood and harnessed to achieve success in many different environments, including the classroom. Session to be held at 88 Lincoln St, Framingham, opposite the MetroWest Medical Center Hospital. 

 

Please contact Ann Killion for more information: ann_killion@waysideyouth.org  or 508-620-0010 x194

 

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.
October 7, 2013
In This Issue
MYC Adult Halloween Fundraiser!
MYC After School program
Find Yourself Friday
TDA
Ben Classic
Benefit Dinner for Jake Gallerani
JAG
FYF a Success!
Recovery Group
Recovery Yoga
Chris Herren
Milford Play Initiative
CROP Walk
Healthy Futures
Community Day Program
Free Meals!
Parent Workshop
CHNA-6 Grant
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.