Stopping the Dropout Exodus | TIME

Stopping the Dropout Exodus | TIME

Have you read this article in the May 14th issue of Time Magazine?

This is so much what the NY Center's youth programs are about -- putting together the staff and programs that offer those kids on the verge of dropping out a second chance.

New Beginnings, Project Success, YABC -- take a look at the article.

Being Reflective - Recent Statistics

In the Dispute Resolution field, whether as a mediator, negotiatior or other conflict engager, it is always important to reflect on our practice and to debrief after action.

Recently, the Community Mediation Program had the opportunity to examine the work that it has done and found a few noteworthy points about our practice.

· 88% of all complaints are appropriate for mediation

· 91% of all scheduled mediations are held

· 87% of all sessions held achieve resolution

In addition, we found the follwing about the past year's worth of service:

· The Small Claims Pilot Program increased direct services within Civil Court by 200%.

· $878,491.72 was awarded, entered into judgment or restitution paid through dispute resolution services. (March 2006-2007)

· The Supervised Visitation Program provided a total of 12,816 direct client contact hours to 43 families. (September 2004 to December 2006)

· Participants in the Assisting Children Through Transition (ACT) Parent Education Program said,

o 81% of parents indicated a greater understanding of how children are affected by the break up or divorce; and

o 89% stated that they learned valuable ways to help strengthen their relationship with their children

For more informatio about any of these programs, contact us at 718-815-4557. We look forward to working with you.

Mosaic Coalition sets gathering as it looks ahead Potluck Supper

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

ADVANCE STAFF REPORT

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Potluck, anyone?

The Mosaic Coalition will be opening its doors to the Staten Island community for a Potluck Supper tomorrow from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Brighton Heights Reformed Church, St. George.

Along with the dinner, the coalition will be unveiling their restructuring, as well as discussing plans and initiatives.

Founded in 2002 by the New York Center for Interpersonal Development and Wagner College, the organization brings together community residents and organizations to foster increased respect and understanding among the many diverse groups that are part of the Island.

The 2006 U.S. Census revealed that the borough led the way in population gain statewide -- the second-largest county population gain between 2000 and 2006.

Much of the gain is being attributed to the influx of immigrants to the Island.

The dinner is part of monthly event shared by members as the group explores their cultural backgrounds, discusses local issues and shares perspectives on life. In addition, during the meeting, the group will unveil their restructuring including announcing various committees and discussing ideas and activities that are being planned. The event is open to all Islanders.

The church is located at 320 St. Mark's Place. For more information, phone Mike Baver at 718-815-4557 .

Looking forward to a Stress-Free Summer?

In the summer, our daily rhythms can change: children are out of school, the weather is warm and even uncomfortable at times, and people are taking vacation. For parents in particular, these factors can contribute to stress.

Here are a few tips that might help make the summer less stressful and more structured.

• Establish a budget for summer spending. Be realistic about what you can afford to spend on entertainment, special foods, travel, etc.
• Hold a family meeting to discuss summer plans. Ask for ideas from the children for family activities that would appeal to them.
• Post a calendar of family activities in a place where all family members will see it.
• Check community calendars and local lists of events to find inexpensive or free activities for children. Write all possibilities on individual slips of brightly colored paper and put them in a "summer fun jar." When children have been especially cooperative with other family members, allow them to choose a slip of paper from the jar. Then, the family can enjoy an afternoon of fun activity together.
• Have your children make a list of elderly or shut-in neighbors in your area. Plan to share a meal, some of your time, or run errands for these neighbors. Explain to children that helping and sharing are important elements.
• Find time to relax and reflect on the simple joys of the summer. When you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, take a break to get a better perspective on what needs to be done and what can be done.
• If you find that it is becoming difficult to avoid being verbally or physically harsh with your children, STOP. Don't take out your anger on your kids. Instead, try the following:
  · Take a deep breath and count to 20.
  · Phone a friend.
  · Take a walk outside, or use another form of exercise.
  · Laugh. Even a comedy show on television will help relieve stress.
  · Spend one hour doing something you really enjoy.

The above tips come from organization, Prevent Child Abuse Texas, on how to have a stress-free summer.

Photo by Anosmia

Keeping Children Busy

When I was a kid, my mother believed that if I stayed busy enough after school I'd stay out of trouble. Her strategy worked most of the time. And, SAMHSA just released a paper supporting her approach.

They found that, regardless of income level, youth who participated in school-based, community-based, church or faith-based, or other activities had lower rates of cigarette, alcohol, or illicit drug use than those who did not participate. And the more activity, the lower the usage rate.

For example, the rates of illicit drug use were 18.3% for youth who participated in no such activities, 11.9% for those with 1-3 activities, 9.4% for 4-6 activities, and 6.8% for 7 or more youth activities in the past year.

Unfortunately, youth from families with lower income participated in activities at a lower rate than others. So a successful strategy for reducing substance abuse among youth from low income families would include access to out of school activities. That underscores the importance of expanding low and no-cost after school activities for all children.

This Short Report, The NSDUH Report: Youth Activities, Substance Use, and Family Income, is based on SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, conducted by the Office of Applied Studies (OAS) in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) is the primary source of information on the prevalence, patterns, and consequences of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the general U.S. civilian non institutionalized population, age 12 and older. The NSDUH also provides estimates for drug use by State.

Photo by PlasticRevolver