Alcohol Abuse

Submitted by kahoople on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 17:11

the problem:

The mental health of our children and youth is an incredibly important issue in today’s society. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adolescents and the third leading cause of death for those slightly younger than adolescents. The CDC reports that 14% of youth between 9th and 12th grade have thought about suicide, and 11% have actually made a specific plan for committing the act.* Mental health concerns are particularly high for more marginalized populations, as many of these individuals are in high risk environments. For example, in a nationally representative survey of a youth in an inner city environment, 8% reported a lifetime prevalence of sexual assault, 17% reported experiencing physical assault, and 39% reported witnessing violence.** Exposure to trauma of this kind is clearly linked to a higher preponderance of behavioral and mental health difficulties in youth. However, these same mental health issues continue to be heavily stigmatized by our culture. This prevents many youth from coming forward with their difficulties, and not enough youth are aware of the fact that there are people available to help them. Furthermore, few youth realize how common it actually is to struggle with these kinds of issues. These are problems I want to address – I want to make children and youth in my community, particularly those in inner city New York, realize that they are not alone in struggling with these issues, and that there is help out there.
*www.astorservices.org/finding-out-teen-suicide-prevention.php
**www.nctsn.org

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why it's important:

This cause is incredibly important to me, for a variety of reasons. I’ve worked intimately with children and youth in a variety of settings, from being a camp counselor to a trusted nanny, and I know how important and wonderful this population is. I also am still a youth myself – at 22 I don’t think I quite count as a full-fledged grown up yet! The idea of those younger than me and like me struggling with mental health issues in silence is terrible, and is something I want to battle against. This is a fight I am already fighting in many ways, working as a research aide at Astor Services for Children and Families, based in Rhinebeck, NY, trying to find out more about the problems that youth struggle with and the best ways to solve them. Astor is a not-for-profit behavioral health agency that provides services to children of all ages in a variety of settings, ranging from community health programs to residential treatment. We serve children throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley region and the Bronx. Through Astor, I’d like to start spreading mental health awareness by speaking at schools and other youth-serving organizations. I’d like to spread mental health awareness by disseminating both current mental health facts and statistics and the stories of the clients we currently serve at Astor, written by the clients themselves. If possible, I’d like to even bring current Astor clients to speak to other children and youth about their experiences and struggles with mental health. It has been shown that both hearing about other’s struggles, as well as sharing one’s own struggles, can help children and youth persevere and endure difficult life circumstances.* Spreading mental health awareness will also help to dispel stigma. I’d also like to include in these talks information on how to go about receiving mental health services, empowering those that need help to get the process of getting help going. I believe that the sharing of children and youth’s stories, as well as the spreading of other information related to mental health awareness, will have a profound impact on both the youth we already serve at Astor and those in the community that still need our help.
* On Playing a Poor Hand Well, by Mark Katz

the plan of action:

In order to spread mental health awareness, I’d like to start visiting schools and other organizations that serve children and youth, starting with the Bronx and Mid-Hudson Valley, and beyond if possible. I’d like to bring with me dissemination materials, like brochures filled with facts on mental health and the stories of current clients. Hopefully, I will also be able to bring along with me some support staff to participate in these talks as well. I’d also like to, if possible, bring clients with me on these talks to share their stories – this would require support staff to ensure the well-being of youth that accompany me on these trips. I’d also like to bring with me information on how to start receiving mental health services, and for each site I go to, be prepared with information specific to mental health services in that site’s area. Ideally, I’d like to do these talks at least twice a month for a year or longer, coming into contact with as many children and youth as possible. By accomplishing these goals, I feel that my project will have a deep impact on everyone I reach, and that this impact will disperse outwards as those I am able to talk to share what they have learned with others.

how you can get involved:

Anyone can help with this project. Simply talking about mental health issues in a knowledgeable and caring way helps dispel stigma, and helps increase the chance that children and youth that need help will seek it. Anyone that is present at these information sessions I hope to hold will then also be able to spread this information. They say knowledge is power, and in the case of mental health awareness, that is certainly true. I want to spread that power!

project updates:

Submitted by EHenny on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 14:47

the problem:

Vashon Island has a serious drug and alcohol abuse problem. Many students have been killed from these drugs, and many more have had them ruin their lives. When asked why they choose to smoke or drink, one of the most popular reasons is that there is nothing else to do. I feel if we were able to create an organization that offered fun and exciting activities on Friday nights for teens, we could greatly reduce the frequency of alcohol consumption, and even more, create more of a community in a town that is slowly loosing its youth.

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why it's important:

I have lost my three best friends to drug addiction. They did were not killed or injured, but I know that their lives will all be forever changed because of this serious disease. I was with them as I watched who they used to be slowly disappear. I can not explain in words how painful it was and still is, to know that they were dying inside, and I could do nothing to help them.

the plan of action:

I want to get involved with Vashon Youth and Family Services to spearhead the project. VYFS really cares about the drug problem and have been trying to help, but I think their efforts have always been thwarted because as much as they care, they are adults. They do not know how teenagers think, or what they would like to do. I would like to create a teenage pannel at my school to help organize the activites, and they could help choose projects other teenagers would enjoy doing. Some ideas are midnight bowling trips, capture the flag at night and scary movies projected on the side of the school. We could charge admittance fees, and create surveys to see how teenagers feel about the issue.

how you can get involved:

Organizations on Vashon can help by donating money, publicizing the project and helping educate the sometimes ignorant adults on our island of the serious issue of drug addiction.

project updates:

Submitted by Caitan_Hill on Sun, 02/05/2012 - 23:14

the problem:

I am trying to prove to teens in my generation that you can have fun without having to go out to party, get high, or get drunk.

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why it's important:

This is important to me because I have seen what it does to people. I have seen addicts or people with alcohoism. It isn't a pleasant sight. I want to educate my generation. I don't want to see my generation go down in ruins.

the plan of action:

I plan to start an IDFY chapter at my school. Then plaster positive drug free messages all around my high school. After that I will have everyone in my school take survey. Then I will have a ghost out.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by joining my club. They can help by becomming drug free and passionate about this club.

project updates:

11 Must-Haves at a Super Bowl Party

The Super Bowl is right around the corner, and you might wanna avoid some sloppy mistakes when you play host. 11 things that you should have at a party are:

Submitted by DBH0014 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 11:51

the problem:

A Family Community is a program I am desigining to benefit every individual in our community, not only residents and locals, but the community as a whole. This includes surrounding areas and even alternate states. We aim to provide Disater education, job readiness, disater preparedness seminars, dating volience information, a place of refuge for volience over comers, a place for homeless individuals to get food, and clothing and opportunities for job search, and job placement. We want to prevent teen pregnancy, but all the same provide help to those who have already had children. We promote family stablility. We want to educate individuals on healthy eating, and living a healthy lifestyle as well. We plan to this not only by branching out and starting partneships with exsisting organizations, but by putting in hard work, and sweat ourselves as well. We plan to involve individuals that seek help in unimaginable ways.

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why it's important:

This is imporatnt to me because, I grew up in a single parent home; and felt sad and alone. I want individuals to understand that not every house hold is the same, and that it is okay to be different. I understand the importance of education, and i am seeking to futher my education. I want every individual that I encounter to understand this concept as well.

the plan of action:

*Conduct meetings with community leaders(i.e. Community pastors, non-profit organizations, mayor)
*Get Schools involved( with the job I already have I have easy access to recruiting teens, and volunteers)
*Get the community aware.....(i.e.: Facebook, local news, news paper)
*Recruit Volunteers/ Board members (i.e. Church goers)
*Set up banking account
*locate a building for headquaters (i.e.: unused city building, or church building)
* Contact local food banks set up patnerships
*start partnership with local DHR

how you can get involved:

Individuals can help by contributing non perishable items, volunteering, making donations, and participating in the program

project updates:

Submitted by bri7232 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 01:05

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the problem:

Right now, more than 300,000 Kenyan youth live and work on the streets. Street youth face a life of disease, poverty, exploitation, and violence. Some street youth survive by collecting scrap metal for recycling as well as washing cars, while the more vulnerable turn to theft and prostitution. In Kenya, where education is neither free nor mandatory, many street youth have not completed Primary School let alone Secondary School. Millions of dollars are invested into humanitarian programs that offer food, clothing, and shelter, but they often fail to keep youth off the streets forever. In a country with an unemployment rate of 64% among youth between the ages of 18 and 35, street youth simply cannot compete in the job market.

vital stats:

people impacted:

300

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why it's important:

In 2008, I traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to volunteer with an HIV clinic in Mathare, the second largest slum in Kenya. The experience changed my life. Upon my return to the U.S. I changed my major from Biology to International Studies with the determination to go back to Kenya after I graduated.

I graduated in December 2010 and moved to Kenya in March 2011 determined to make a change in the world. Just a few short days after landing in Nairobi I met a former street boy, Wiclif Otieno. Wiclif's story, success, and passion for changing the lives of other street youth through KITO International was very inspiring. We became instant friends.

Wiclif taught me a lot about street life, poverty, and the importance of quality aid. I quickly fell in love with the KITO community and it didn't take long before Wiclif and I joined forces to continue KITO's growth.

the plan of action:

KITO believes that "moving off the streets" means "getting out of poverty." If street youth are given an economic opportunity that enables them to work their way out of poverty and become self-sufficient, they will stay off the streets forever.

Potential KITO youth are referred by partner organizations, recruited by team members, or apply on their own. KITO selects street youth through a participatory interview process. Successful applicants enter a vigorous 2 month training program which covers entrepreneurship, life skills, employability skills, and financial literacy. Upon graduation of KITO's Training Program, KITO youth are offered temporary employment with KITO's social enterprise, EcoSafi, where they learn to make bags from recycled material as well as practice the skills they have learned in a hands-on setting. KITO staff work tirelessly to customize each youth's exit strategy. KITO youth have the option to start their own business, go back to school, or find full-time employment.

how you can get involved:

Spreading the word about KITO International is very important to us. You can help us in these efforts by liking us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kitointernational) or following us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/kitointl). KITO International is always looking for volunteers, interns, and donations to help us achieve our mission. To learn more about us please visit www.kitointernational.org.

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Submitted by JenniferElena on Tue, 01/31/2012 - 23:46

the problem:

Under age drinking needs to stop because more and more students put more attention in drinking then their actual school work and are becoming alcoholics at a young age. I am trying to help my community to understand why its unhealthy for an under aged person to be drinking and puting themselves at risk.

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why it's important:

Its important to me because i know that alot of people at my school drink all the time and i feel that it should be known that alcohol is a harm to the body and millions of teens die each month due to accidents reating to alcohol and/or fall behind in their studies in persuing a great career for each and everyone of them.

the plan of action:

I plan on throwing a campaign in persuading and open the minds of amature teens in showing them the risk of what alcohol can do to them and how it affects their everyday lives.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by spreding the word and teaching people the wrongs of alcohol for teens. Lets bring a major impact in the world one step at a time and make our lives healthier one heart at a time.

project updates:

Submitted by JenniferElena on Tue, 01/31/2012 - 23:46

the problem:

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

the plan of action:

I plan on throwing a campaign in persuading and open the minds of amature teens in showing them the risk of what alcohol can do to them and how it affects their everyday lives.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by spreding the word and teaching people the wrongs of alcohol for teens

project updates:

Submitted by vtyouthadventures on Sun, 01/29/2012 - 21:51

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the problem:

Vermont Youth Adventures Inc. is a new non-profit organization in the southern Vermont area that was formed to create youth outreach opportunities through adventure and community programing. Offering after school care, summer camps, and adventure education it is our hope that we can help youth to become stronger both physically and mentally. Furthermore, we hope to increase the social responsibility among the communities youth.

Our mission is to provide outdoor leadership and adventure experiences to youth 5-15 years of age in the southern Vermont and New Hampshire area. Utilizing adventure and challenge as underlying themes, youth will learn valuable life skills grounded in a tradition of promoting healthy lifestyles, academic success and providing meaningful, tailored, and enticing adventure experiences.

Much like a ship at sea, children too need the chance to fill their sails and take to the open ocean. Sitting at home is by far the safest option for a child. Sheltered from the world and it's dangers. But to truly grow and develop the skills needed to succeed in this world, a child must get out, take risks, and push their own personal limits. Mrs. Frizzle from the classic children's show "The Magic School Bus" put it best with her famous quote "get messy, make mistakes" for that is how a child truly learns. Vermont Youth Adventures gives children this opportunity to get out and explore the world. Through adventure programs like kayaking, hiking, survival, and rafting, a child will learn how to take healthy risks, self reliance, and social skills to last a lifetime. It is experiences like those offered through VYA that truly give a child a leg up in this competitive world.

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why it's important:

As and adventure enthusiast, I recognize that by introducing a child to the world of adventure we are giving them so much more that a "fun" time, we are giving them the tools they will need to succeed throughout their life. We give them engaging activities during times they may have nothing else to do. We fill a void that could so easily have been filled with drugs or other self destructive behaviors. Indeed, bringing adventure into the life of a child provides so much more than just an experience…it provides hope.

the plan of action:

Starting with the formation of a Non-Profit back in August, I have started providing after school adventure care for elementary students in southern Vermont. I provide licensed child care so parents can be assured there children are in a safe and active environment. In addition to opening the after school care program I help provide adventure programs to several town recreation departments and other established after school programs.

Going forward I would like to start a teen center that provides a safe environment for teens after school. To help keep them productive and out of trouble. I also hope to provide several adventure camps through the summer.

how you can get involved:

We are always looking for volunteers to help run after school programs with our kids. Anyone from teens to adults with an interest in helping youth succeed are encouraged to help by volunteering.

project updates:

videos:

Submitted by Together We Rise on Fri, 01/27/2012 - 12:58

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the problem:

Together We Rise is trying to solve the problems associated with the broken foster care system and the lack of awareness about this issue.

Together We Rise is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of foster children in America by funding programs that give a sense of normalcy, comfort, and self-esteem to combat the disproportionate opportunities available to foster youth.

vital stats:

people impacted:

3,000

people involved:

100

why it's important:

The devoted and enthusiastic staff of Together We Rise (TWR) work tirelessly to solve the many challenges that foster children face. The life of a foster child is often bleak and the statistics clearly display this. For example, nearly 23,000 foster children will die of neglect or abuse by their 5th birthday and almost half of those children will become homeless within 18 months of leaving the foster care system by 2020.

TWR makes decreasing these bleak figures the cornerstone of our organization. However, the issues that TWR solve go well beyond what the numbers show; we also work to bring a level of normalcy to foster children's lives.Their lives are often very unstable and changing this is one of major goals.

the plan of action:

Children are the future and we believe they deserve to live the best life possible. They have been put into a situation that they have no control over. We want to show them that there are people in the world who care about them and want to see them grow into successful adults. If we have the ability to touch even one child's life and know we made an impact in a positive way, then we have done our job. We have developed programs that allow them to be successful in society, school, sports, creativity, and life. Our sports camps also help to raise awareness about childhood obesity and teach them ways to stay healthy throughout their lifetime.

how you can get involved:

Together We Rise (TWR) values its relationship with the foster community, its sponsors, and its volunteers. Innovation, creativity, and a strong work ethic are instilled to improve the lives of foster children through integrity, commitment, and dependability. TWR utilizes young adult volunteers through social and digital media to host sports camps and implement educational programs with various subjects. A variety of programs are created to reach the diverse and varying interests of foster children, offering them an assortment of activities to provide a well-rounded experience. We welcome all interns or volunteers from around the nation and encourage applicants to apply through our Facebook page.