Hartford Communities That Care, Inc. STUMP UNDERAGE DRINKING

MLK Elementary in Woodstock!

2008-05-13T16:58:00.012-04:00

On Friday May 9th, 2008 the Peace Builders brought some MLK students to spend a weekend at Camp Woodstock. These students went with the intentions of having much fun and obtaining a new experience; and that's what happened.

These youth walked away knowing how to make smores, riding canoes, hiking and wall climbing.

Fun doesnt alway have to happen on land, but on the water too. They enjoyed a wonderful time on the water over comming fears of canoes flipping over in the middle of the lake.

This effort also gave youth new ways to peace it up in their own communities. They used there energy to plant a tree in back of the Roskins Lodge and now walk away with a hand in making the enviornment better and knowing that they had a peice in making the climate at Camp Woodstock better.

2008 State Wide Prevention Confrence

2008-05-13T15:25:00.014-04:00

On May 8th, 2008, TIHPSY/Stump youth presented at a State wide prevention conference put on by The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. TIHPSY/Stump youth educated policy makers and other youth about the effects of alcohol and its impact on youth specific to north-Hartford.

At the conference were many instances for people to mingle and share information. This was a chance for some of our youth to be interviewed by the media that the communities may hear of these issues concerning local area youth. Below is Camarr Williams being interviewed by the media.

Overall this event was a success. TIHPSY/Stump youth ended the day in joy by meeting up with a past member of the Stump the Violence Youth Leadership Institute, Diamond Cooper who currently works for the Department of Health and Human Addiction services.

Mothers Day Celebration

2008-05-13T15:11:00.015-04:00

On May 3rd, 2008, youth involved in the Peace Builders program honored their mothers for Mothers Day at a Pre Mothers Day event sponsored by Phillips Metropolitan CME Church and the Peace Builders initiative.

These guys wrote and read poems and presented gifts to show that they really appreciate there mothers for everything they have done.

Dean Jones, to the left, organized this event in collaboration with Phillips Metropolitain CME Church.

Northend Little League Opening Day

2008-05-06T15:54:00.062-04:00

Saturday May 3rd, 2008 was opening day for the Hartford Northend Little League. This league has been in existence for over 30 years. Since 2008, HCTC/Stump has sponsored teams at this league and currently provides staff support as umpires & concession stand assistants.

Brother Carl Hardricks receives the first pitch of the season

Hartford Communities That Care/Stump The Violence sponsored team

Working Hard In The Studio!

2008-05-06T14:41:00.006-04:00

In preparation for the Stump The Violence 10 year Anniversary, Stump youth has been developing flyer's, banners, videos and public service announcements to pack the house at the Artist Collective on May 28th, 2008.

With all their hard work in planning an promoting this event, we know it will be a success!

SPRING BREAK IN CAMP WOODSTOCK!!

2008-04-15T21:39:00.033-04:00

Most spring breaks are spent at home sleeping, eating and watching t.v. But not for Stump youth. They kicked off their Spring Break week next to the water at YMCA Camp Woodstock enhancing their leadership abilities. So they say to you, Welcome to Camp Woodstock.

They Had so much fun that staff support had a chance to let their hair down and youth were able to express themselves in several different ways!

Youth expressed themselves through canoeing, basketball, arts and crafts, wall climbing, hiking, group games, archery, and 1 on 1 bonding time.

Leadership is for everyone to grow in, not just young adults. That's why all activities that were conducted catered to the needs of youth from all ages; no one was left out.

This week of fun was so fun that youth didn't want to leave. But the memories from Camp Woodstock will stay with them.

HARTFORD STEPOFF CLASSIC

2008-04-12T12:40:00.008-04:00

On Saturday, April 12, 2008, the Beta Sigma Lambda Educational Foundation hosted it's 3rd annual HARTFORD STEPOFF CLASSIC ULTIMATE STEP SHOW, where steppers from High Schools, Colleges, and Black Greeks all over the nation came to Hartford to showcase their talent. This event was said to be the greatest health fair CT has ever seen.

Stump the Violence Youth Leaders where able to participate in the Health Fair by educating the public on alcohol related issues effecting the youth.

Town Hall Meeting to Address Underage Drinking

2008-03-27T15:27:00.057-04:00

On Tuesday, March 25, 2008, The TIPSY Coalition and The Stump The Violence Youth held a Town Hall Meeting in The City Of Hartford's Town Hall Counsel Chambers to raise awareness in the community about underage drinking and it's risks. They encouraged community involvement in preventing underage drinking by making people aware of current efforts and suggested ways to become involved.

Mr. Andrew Woods, Executive Director, along with Councilman Jim Boucher, the host of our Town Hall Meeting.

This event was also attended by over sixty youth, and adults, Councilwoman rJo Winch, representatives from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and leadership from several City of Hartford Departments and representation from Congressman John Larson's Office.

On April 14th, 2008, the TIHPSY Coalition's recommendations were added to The City Council Agenda and referred to the Health and Human Services Committee to explore the feasibility of our recommendations.

Youth Leader Dylan Leonard, presented on the Risk Factors Prioritization process which consisted in determining their level of importance and changeability.

They educated the public on the dangers of underage drinking with the help of Federal, State and Local Data as well as the Hartford Communities that Care Survey Report.

Stump The Violence Program Director Joseph Wilkerson, and Youth Leader Jaimee Williams presented on the Risk Factor: Low Enforcement of Liquor Laws, concerning Hartford's need for an increase in Compliance Checks and DUI Checkpoints in Hartford.

The youth themselves spearheaded the gathering and organizing of this data, along with Mr. Andrew Woods. They found not only the value of changing the community environment where underage drinking takes place, but also changing what is considered normal in the environment is a big step to prevent young people from trying alcohol.

Youth Trainer Camarr Williams and Youth Leaders Sequoa McLeggon and Dylan Leonard presented on the Risk Factor: Peer Norms that Accept and Encourage Underage Drinking.

The alcohol industry has made it their responsibility to advertise to the public, and specifically the youth about the newest alcohol on the market such as Ciroc Vodka, endorsed by Sean "Puffy" Combs AKA "P. Diddy" through the use of commercials and bill boards around Hartford.

This is the corner of Homestead Avenue and Albany Avenue, a few blocks away from Lewis Fox Middle School.

The magnitude and severity of this problem is alarming given that the consequences of underage drinking go beyond drinking and driving fatalities. There are 335 liquor licenses currently issued in the City Of Hartford, and 71 specifically in North-Hartford. The TIHPSY Coalition has made it their responsibility to combat underage drinking by requesting that the density of these liquor outlets be reduced in our City.

Youth Leaders Montie Johnson, Brittney Hall and Denisha Allen present on the Risk Factor: Retail Availability.

This Town Hall meeting represented a great opportunity for Hartford to share in the national leadership to address underage drinking. Much has been done to research and develop strategies to prevent and reduce underage drinking but much more needs to be done.

The main presenters were Hartford youth who have been implementing the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to address this issue. Thanks to a 3-year grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), this has been made possible.

Youth Leaders take the Lead

2007-03-31T18:41:00.003-04:00

Robert Williams, Lead Youth Facilitator, chairing discussions with his team.

Leonard Muhhamed, Youth Facilitator, discussing the planning phase of the strategic prevention framework.

Jamiee Williams, facilitating a team during the ground rules discussion.

Camarr Williams, facilitating a round table discussion with his team, during the ground rules breakout session.

Khiree McLeggon, faciliting a round table discussion, during the name and slogan brainstorm.

Coalition to Stump Underage Drinking, March 29th, 2007

2007-03-31T18:33:00.002-04:00

On March 29th, 2007, Hartford Communities That Care, Inc. hosted a community level coalition meeting to address the issue of underage drinking.

At the coalition meeting, groups convened and learned of the status of Underage Drinking in Hartford, CT. Groups brain stormed what to name the coalition and a slogan.

During the next coaliton meeting a decision on the name will be selected. In additon to selecting the final name and slogan, committees will work on assessing the local data and discuss capacity building.

If you are interested in joining the coalition, please call 860-209-8957.

Coalition to Stump Underage Drinking Meets March 29th, 2007

2007-03-17T20:02:00.004-04:00

On March 29th, 2007, Hartford Communities That Care, Inc. hosted a community level coalition meeting to address the issue of underage drinking. This organization applied and was awarded the DMHAS Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant to help combat underage drinking in Hartford.

Purpose:
The overall purpose of the CT SPF Initiative is to develop a comprehensive Prevention Strategy for delivering and implementing effective substance abuse prevention and/or mental health promotion services.

Strategy Types:
The Coalition to Stump Underage Drinking, through a series of state/local needs assessment activities, will identify the substance abuse prevention needs in Hartford's communities. This information will support development of a multifaceted CT Strategic Plan to answer policy-relevant questions leading to the efficient and effective allocation of resources in the delivery of substance abuse prevention services.

Who's on the Coalition:
The coalition is a two track coalition. One tract consists of adults, while a simultaneous tract consists of youth representing the following institutions: Hartford Police Department, Hartford Fire Department, Community Renewal Team, Hartford Public Schools, Hartford based NAACP, Hartford Little League, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Hartford Community Court, Hartford Hospital, ADRC, Vine and Albany Task Force, Phillips Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopalian Church, Institute for Community Research and we are still building.

How to join the Coalition:
Membership is open to all community members, minimum age middle school student.
Contact:

Hartford Communities That Care at 860-209-8957
ask for Mr. Andrew Woods or email AWoods3976@aol.com.

CRAFT FAIR PICS

2007-03-04T07:55:00.000-05:00

Ms. Dixon giving crochet lessons on the spot! Yvette (wearing yellow) makes beautiful jewelry as one of her favorite crafts!

Jaimee making a modest purchase for some warm leggins.
Khiree "Miss Diva", Catherine, Sequoa selling raffle tickets for the basket raffles.

Erin, Mrs. Serrao, Alicia, marketing the Craft Fair!

CRAFT FAIR A SUCCESS

2007-03-03T20:13:00.000-05:00

A great big thank you to all the Stump Youth who took time out of their day to support the Craft Fair! Ryan, Catherine, Ahj, Mariah, Sequoa, Khiree "Miss Diva", Khiree S., Robert, Jaimee, Chad, Tahara, Sada and Eric. Please know that as long as you continue to carry and idea from concept, to planning, to implementation, YOU ARE A LEADER.

ARTS & CRAFT FAIR

2007-02-21T23:12:00.000-05:00

HCTC Stump The Violence Youth Leadership Institute will host their first annual Arts & Craft Fair.

Saturday, March 3rd, 2007
Lewis Fox Middle School
305 Greenfield Street
Hartford, CT
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Vendors are encourage to call for available space.
Tel: 860-695-6717
or email
Stump305@yahoo.com

FUNDING AND SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE

2007-02-21T22:36:00.000-05:00

As a new nonprofit organization, HCTC faces many challenges, especially in these difficult economic times with decreased funding at all levels and increased competition. Diversification of funding is needed by HCTC to reduce the cash flow difficulties we experience and to allow for more flexibility in what we do and how we do it. At one time, HCTC utilized a fiduciary entity as it proceeded to obtain its independent corporate status. HCTC, like many organizations, has experienced cash flow difficulties in its first years. Initial funding came through a $25,000 grant from Purdue Phama in 2002 followed by a federal pass through grant from the City of Hartford, in 2004. To date, HCTC has been able to generate over $400,000.00 in the last two years; yet this has not allowed the organization to tap dance and shout independence.

Quite the contrary, we are very dependent. Dependent on the much needed funding that we are challenged to obtain. While grants constitute the largest percentage of funding for HCTC, other avenues for fundraising include special events, selling of items at Craft Fairs, developing individual donors, securing corporate sponsorships, and developing an annual fund raiser.

We need our supporters to rally together and see the greater good for our youth. Although donations can be made daily to: Hartford Communities That Care, Inc. 305 Greenfield Street, Hartford, CT 06112; see our event calendar for detailed opportunites for sponsorship.

The Road To Results

2007-02-18T22:54:00.000-05:00

In February 2006, several Stump youth attended the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Youth Leadership Academy (NYLA). Of the thirty youth selected nationally to participate in this pilot, Dyllan Leonard, Khiree Smith, Chad Ricketts and Joseph Wilkerson, represented Stump The Violence Youth Leadership Institute. This initial meeting was geared toward introducing the youth to CADCA’s concept and desires to train youth to be more effective in their respective communities. Another objective of the conference was to secure buy-in, feedback and input from youth, as to what specific training they would need to be effective in their communities. The February 2-day session ended with a plan to reconvene in the summer, to kick-off the effort at the CADCA 5th Annual Mid-Year Training Institute in Henderson, Nevada.

Next, on August 12-18, 2006. Stump youth traveled to the Mid-Year training for the CADCA’s NYLA training conference in Nevada. The four Hartford youth learned about the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administrations (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). They learned and practiced various presentation, planning, group and advocacy skills. The Stump youth participated in the plans for the then, upcoming CADCA National Conference to be held February 2007 in Washington DC, where over 300– youth attended.

On August 30, 2006, Khiree Smith and Andrew Woods traveled to St. Petersburg, Florida to participate on a nationally televised panel. This discussion was video taped and can be viewed on our webtelecast on the Hartford Communities That Care website. Click on the link in our "favorite links".

Stump Goes To Our Nations Capital

2007-02-18T22:39:00.000-05:00

On February 10-15, 2006, students and staff of Hartford Communities That Care (HCTC)/ Stump the Violence Youth Leadership attended the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Youth Leadership Initiative (NYLI) in Washington, DC. In attendance for this very exciting week long conference were: Chaneen Barrows 8th grade Fox Middle student; Khiree McLeggon 10th grade Weaver High student; Khiree Smith 11th grade Capital Preparatory High School; Joseph Wilkerson 12th grade Pathways to Technology; and Robert Williams 11th grade A.I. Prince Technical School. Joseph Wilkerson and Khiree Smith are members of the CADCA National Youth Leadership Academy and were table facilitators for this conference.

The CADCA/NYLI helps organizations such as HCTC to build their capacity to foster youth leadership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of action strategies to address Underage Drinking and other drug use, including youth violence.

In addition to attending the workshops, Stump youth visited Capital Hill to engage members of our Congressional Delegation: Senator Christopher Dodd, Senator Joe Lieberman and Congressman John Larson. Joseph Wilkerson led the discussions with Congressman John Larson and his staff. Khiree McLeggon engaged Chris Dodd’s staff in discussions relative to Hartford’s need for resources to combat youth violence and drug use. Robert Williams shared his thoughts and educated the staff of Senator Joe Lieberman on issues that face youth in Hartford, CT.

In the case of both Senator Lieberman and Congressman Larson, they each recently put in Bills to address Urban Violence and we wanted to know the status of these Bills. In the case of Senator Chris Dodd, he has been one of the leading proponents for funding drug prevention and early intervention programs geared toward youth. At the conclusion of each of these meetings, the Stump youth requested to be called upon to testify during congressional hearings in Washington, as it relates to youth issues. The Stump youth will also be forwarding written policy and funding recommendations to our Congressional Delegation in the next few weeks.

Special thanks goes out to our sponsors for this conference: Mayor Eddie Perez; Reverend Edwin Ayala- Christian Activities Council; Reverend James Lane-North End Church of Christ, Reverend James Walker-Phillips Metropolitan CME Church and the State of Ct. Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Workshops and Group Discussions

2007-02-18T21:39:00.000-05:00

Several times throughout the year, Stump Youth Leaders are called upon by organizations with whom we have partnered and request their assistance in the form of facilitation or training.

Stump Youth have designed and developed workshops to help motivate and educate their peers.

Workshop: Leadership Collaborative
The goal of this workshop is twofold: First we aim to PROVIDE youth with the TOOLS that they will need to identify “STAGES OF A TEAM” within their coalition. Next they learn the definition of leadership, the definition of collaboration, and all the necessary tools to help establish a leadership collaborative.

The design of the workshop is worked through an interactive group activity, coupled with team facilitation.

Who can benefit from this workshop?
Groups who are new in development or are undergoing change can benefit greatly from this workshop.

Workshop: Building Bench Strength
This workshop is designed to train Mentors and Mentees. It is designed using an interactive one to one activity.

The goal of the workshop is to demonstrate that the development of others can be very successfully accomplished by offering "Peer Mentoring". Mentors learn key roles and responsibilities as it relates to Mentoring their peers and Mentees learn key roles and responsibilities as it relates to self improvement and self development.

Who can benefit from this workshop?
Anyone who aims to become a Mentor or will be a Mentee to others.

Discussion Group: Combating Underage Drinking
Combating Underage Drinking is a group facilitated discussion by two of our Youth Leaders. The Youth Leaders assist participants in talking "real" talk about an issue that faces every community and is first in the nation as the number one community problem.

The purpose of this discussion is to help youth and adults share their life experiences about the effects of alcohol and ultimately determine how they can help others find an alternative solution to "cope".

An Apology

2007-02-18T21:32:00.000-05:00

The following apology is a small exercise learned by the youth who attend Stump The Violence Youth Leadership Institute.

I APOLOGIZE

I DIDN’T MEAN TO SAY, WHAT YOU THINK YOU JUST HEARD

I APOLOGIZE

FOR LETTING MY WORDS FLOW FREELY WITHOUT THOUGHT

I APOLOGIZE

FOR MISTAKING YOUR FEELINGS YOUR EMOTIONS AS NAUGHT

I APOLOGIZE

FOR NOT THINKING, WHAT IF YOU WERE ME…

Stump After School Program

2007-02-18T21:15:00.000-05:00

The Stump After School Program addresses the risk factor of Friends Who Engage In Delinquent Behaviors as well the protective factor of Bonding to Family and Community. Hartford Communities That Care, Inc. recognizes that while working within the risk factors that pose the greatest risk to our youth, we must pay equal attention to protective factors. When surveyed, 44% of our youth report they feel Bonded to their family and/or community; 43% report that they have Healthy Beliefs and adhere to Clear Standards and 40% report that they received Recognition for Pro-Social Involvement from family and/or community.

Thus the program presents an opportunity for youth to gain valuable academic skills as well as develop personal and relationship building skills. The three hour program is designed with three very important components: tutorial, personal development and relationship development. We believe these components help develop the whole person.

The State of Our Community

2007-02-17T23:04:00.000-05:00

The assessment phase of the CTC process included an analysis of the 2004 Communities That Care® Youth Survey data for 842 6th, 8th and 10th grade students in Hartford Public Schools. The survey was implemented in ten North Hartford schools: Weaver High, Lewis Fox Middle, J. C. Clark, Annie Fisher, Martin Luther King, Milner, Sarah J. Rawson, Simpson-Waverly, Mark Twain and Fred D. Wish elementary. In addition to quantifying levels of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and other antisocial behaviors, the survey measures sixteen research-based risk factors and nine protective factors.

Hartford Communities That Care (HCTC) Community Board identified three priority risk factors that represented significant challenges to the healthy development of youth in the North Hartford’s Blue Hills, Northeast and Upper Albany neighborhoods. The priority risk factors include: 1) Friends Who Engage in Delinquent Behavior 2) Low Neighborhood Attachment and Community Disorganization, and 3) Transitions and Mobility. Risk factors are conditions in young people’s community, family, school, peer group, or within youth themselves that increase the likelihood of adolescent problems, such as substance abuse, delinquency, school dropout, teen pregnancy and violence.

In addition, numerous areas of strength were identified. Community strengths were indicated by high levels of the following protective factors: 1) Belief in the Moral Order, 2) School Rewards for Prosocial Involvement, 3) Family Opportunities for Prosocial Involvement, and 4) School Opportunities for Prosocial Involvement. Protective factors are conditions in these same areas of influence that buffer young people from exposure to risk.