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Bucks County 4-H Has 2 Programs Starting for Youth

February 7, 2013 By

4-H Veterinary Science Program — This 4-H program is a short term course running one night per week for 5 weeks and one Saturday exploring the livestock barns and facilities at Delaware Valley College. You must be 12-18 years old to take these classes. Veterinary Science Level I is about the Normal Animal. It is an introduction to animal behavior, maintaining animal health, cells, tissues, and organs. Youth also learn how to take the proper body temperature, pulse, and respiration rates of several animal species.

There are 2 Level I locations and both are instructed by veterinarians.  A class held at Delaware Valley College begins on Wednesday evenings, beginning February 13th, and is taught by Dr. Pamela Reed. The second class is held at the Wrightstown Library beginning on Wednesday, February 13th. This program is instructed by Dr. Perri Stark.

There is a Level II program on animal diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites and nutritional deficiencies. This program begins Friday, March 15th at the Extension Office in Doylestown. There are 5 classes on animal disease instructed by animal professionals.

Pre registration for all vet science classes is required. Class size is limited.

4-H .22 Rifle Shooting Sports Program – For youth between the ages of 10-18. This program will be held at an indoor range at the Branch Valley Gun Club, 1000 North Ridge Road in Perkasie on Friday evenings at 7:00 beginning February 8th.  The youth members are taught by NRA and 4-H certified shooting sports instructors. Novice and experienced youth shooters are welcome. There are also several 4-H competitions that are optional. The instructors will teach novices about range safety, rifle safety, and shooting technique. Rifles are available and supplied for those that don’t have one.

Register for Classes Now! Class Sizes are Limited.

If you have any questions, or to register, contact the Bucks County Cooperative Extension office at 215-345-3283.

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Pennsylvania Youth Chorale

January 25, 2013 By

The Pennsylvania Youth Chorale is a non-sectarian community children’s choir, which includes boys and girls, ages seven to 15, in three different choir levels. The Junior Choir, for boys and girls in second, third and fourth grades, is the youngest ensemble.

Rehearsals are held once a week, with local performances scheduled throughout the year.

The Senior Choir, for boys and girls in grades five through nine, rehearses once a week performs six to eight concerts per year and takes a short concert tour in the spring. Select members of the Senior Choir form an advanced performance group, the Touring Ensemble. This group tours extensively throughout America and abroad.

Members of the Touring Choir rehearse once a week, with 10-12 concerts per year.

The Pennsylvania Youth Chorale will hold auditions for its 2013-2014 concert season in March.

To schedule an appointment call 215-782-3527.

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YWCA Bucks County

January 25, 2013 By

YWCA Bucks County is a nonprofit organization serving children, women and families in the County since 1954. Dedicated to strengthening and improving lives, the YWCA offers a wide array of programs and services to support the underserved directly in the neighborhoods where they live. The focus of their community outreach is on three main areas: Youth Services, Family Centers and Self-Sufficiency Programs.

YWCA Youth Services

YWCA educational and life skills programs for youth and teens are delivered in schools, YWCA Family Centers and in community rooms. YWCA Kids Korner, after-school Early Academic Intervention Programs and YWCA Homework Zones for elementary-aged children, summer camps to enhance academic and social skills and YW-Teen programs are designed to encourage responsible behavior and educated decision-making. YWCA Prevention programs help young people build healthy self-concepts, resolve conflicts, and prevent substance abuse, teen pregnancy and delinquent behavior.

YWCA Family Centers

YWCA Family Centers, located within low-income apartment complexes in Bucks County, provide social services and educational/life skills programs to residents right where they live. These programs, designed to build strong families and safe communities, include computer training, English as a Second Language, parenting and citizenship classes, as well as information and referrals to social services resources. Family Centers also assist residents in times of crisis or need by offering food pantries, clothing, etc.

YWCA Self-Sufficiency Programs

Low-income adults achieve self-sufficiency through programs like YWCA Employment Services, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollment and a variety of services through the YWCA Women’s Empowerment Program. This program delivers unique and easily accessible life skills learning programs at multiple locations in Bucks County that are designed to empower diverse and disadvantaged women to better provide for their families and build the essential life skills they need to attain self-sufficiency.

Additional information about YWCA programs and services can be obtained at www.ywcabucks.org, or by calling 215-953-7793, ext. 114.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County

January 21, 2013 By

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County (BBBSBC) is a donor supported non-profit mentoring organization with over 50 years of service to youth. Located in Jamison, their mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better. Their vision is that all children achieve success in life. BBBSBC accomplishes this by partnering with parents / guardians, volunteers and others in the community.

Referred by schools, Children & Youth, Juvenile Court and family members, children in their programs range in age from seven to 17. “Bigs” provide support and guidance through one-on-one relationships that so many children desire. By talking, listening and engaging in productive, fun activities, these adult mentors can ultimately help a child achieve their highest potential as they become adults. 

During the 2011/2012 year, the following outcomes were reported by the agency’s Community-based “Bigs” on the anniversary of the match: 82% reported their “Little’s” ability to avoid substance abuse was not a problem; 80% reported an increase in their “Little’s” self-confidence; and 74% reported “Littles” improved in their ability to make decisions.

Over the last year, BBBSBC served 1,500 children. With the challenges facing youth today and the current economic climate, BBBSBC has seen a significant increase in the number of children referred to their programs. Currently, they have over 500 children who have been referred for their programs and over 100 who are waiting for a “Big” Brother or Sister.

“Bigs” are interviewed and go through a multi-level clearance check. Prior to being matched, “Bigs” go through a training program. Once matched, BBBSBC staff follow-up with the “Big,” “Little,” their parents/guardians and school counselors to ensure that the match is built on a strong foundation and will be in place for many years to come.

BBBSBC asks volunteers for a 15-month commitment and has a current average match length of 33 months.

BBBSBC has been recognized nationally for the past four years for delivering the highest quality of programs. Their annual fundraisers include Bowl For Kids Sake (March), Golf Fore Kids Sake (June) and Evening for Kids Sake (November).

By volunteering as a mentor or supporting our fundraisers, people can help make a difference in the life of a child. 

For more information visit www.bbbsbc.org or call 215-343-8260. 

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Foundations Community Partnership

January 21, 2013 By

Foundations Community Partnership is a philanthropic grant-making foundation supporting the behavioral health and human service needs of children and young adults in Bucks County.

FCP provides grants and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, awards scholarships to Bucks County high school seniors, subsidizes service learning internships for college students, underwrites community education programs and supports behavioral health education and research.

FCP identifies human service needs within the nonprofit organization community in Bucks County and encourages development of innovative services and collaboration through grants and educational services.

FCP also provides opportunities for stakeholders to participate in resolving community issues of concern to all Bucks County residents. They recruit, train, supervise and provide leadership for qualified young adults to participate in service learning opportunities to help meet community needs.

FCP supports research efforts, communicates practical and effective treatment guidelines and disseminates them through workshops, seminars and professional publications.

Upcoming workshops include “Critical Thinking about Teasing and Bullying: Implications for Mental Health Care and School Policies” on Wednesday, March 6th; “Mindfulness for Youth: Tools for Clinical Practice and Education” on Wednesday, April 10th; and “The Psychological Road of Adolescence: The Indispensible Impact of Peers – Pro and Con” on Wednesday, May 1st.

Their endeavors include improving the quality of life and supporting efforts to provide services for children, youth and families in Bucks County, and offering financial assistance to Bucks County non-profit human service organizations that focus on children and youth with behavioral health needs.

FCP is a valued community resource – solving problems, inspiring youth and creating partnerships with organizations and higher learning institutions to enhance the quality of life in the region.

To learn more about Foundations and its mission visit their website at www.fcpartnership.org or contact them at 267-247-5584.

Ron Bernstein is the Executive Director of Foundations Community Partnership.

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The Peace Center

January 21, 2013 By

The Peace Center, located Langhorne and serving Bucks County and the tri-county region, is committed to addressing the root cause of conflict and violence. Their mission is to support individuals and organizations seeking peaceful resolution of conflict in families, schools and communities locally, nationally and internationally.

The Peace Center has been implementing programs that promote respect for oneself and for others while addressing conflict, bullying and all forms of violence. They have prevention and intervention programs and are one of the few organizations that work with both the victims and the offenders.

They are available to help when bullying and cyber-bullying wreak havoc in the community.

Some of the programs they offer address the following:

  • The Bully Prevention Resource Center: a unique collaboration with the County Commissioners, the District Attorney and all Bucks County School superintendents. Their missions to address Bullying and Cyber-bullying Prevention and Intervention: Through prevention and intervention strategies such as Peace Circles and Restorative Justice Family Conferencing, they find the root of the issue and then guide people towards reconciliation and healing. They have partnered with other organizations, school personnel, police and educators to work together to address this rising form of violence.
  • Domestic Violence: SAFE Counseling, Inc., a program to help families stop the cycle of verbal, emotional and physical abuse.
  • Conflict in neighborhoods, business or families: Mediation and Conflict Coaching provides an alternative to the justice system.
  • Teens and families: Ventures in Peace (VIP) is a creative, interactive program to address conflict and anger, over the course of 10 weeks. 
  • Parents: Peaceful Parenting workshops, seminars and support.
  • Businesses: Cultural Communication by Resolution Specialists help to bring a deeper understanding of how race, culture, ethnicity and differences affect the way we view and interact with each other.
  • Children: Summer Peace Camp teaches skills in peacemaking through fun cooperative games, interactive lessons and working with nature each year.
  • For College Students: The Paul Zimmerman Internship program gives students an opportunity to gain valuable experience working at a grassroots non-profit. They work on a project of their choosing or they assist with the peace education programs. Another aspect Interns can work on is PeaceTalks radio productions, which brings stories of peace-building from around the world onto the Web through audio documentaries.

School programs include:

  • Project PEACE is a comprehensive approach to school-wide peace education to build a more physically, socially and emotionally safe place for children to learn and grow academically.
  • Peer Mediation empowers students to resolve conflicts through training as neutral, third party interveners.
  • Respecting Me, Respecting You, a bullying prevention program, teaches students how to express emotions, reduce teasing and exclusion by groups, and begin to build an emotionally safe classroom and community.
  • Diversity Task Force can help middle schools create programs and strategies to foster acceptance, tolerance and cultural awareness.

The Peace Center is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization and a Bucks County United Way Agency.

For more information call 215-750-7220, email bsimmons@thepeacecenter.org, or visit www.thepeacecenter.org.

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The Greater Newtown Exchange Club

January 21, 2013 By

After 75 years of serving Newtown and Bucks County, the Newtown Exchange Club was ready to take on a new challenge. They began by changing their name to The Greater Newtown Exchange Club.

The new name signifies their intent to reach beyond their current base to nearby Bucks County communities and to join with other area organizations, companies and individuals in contributing to the social needs of the greater Newtown area.

Their mission is to support the prevention and treatment of child abuse and to assist Bucks County families and children. They do this by raising money for organizations and charities that help prevent child abuse and that provide services to abuse victims. They also support organizations that strengthen the family and assist youth.

Since their founding over 300 members of the greater Newtown community have joined. These members represent all walks of life; all sharing the common desire to improve the lives of the people of our community. But they’re not alone in their mission. The local Exchange Club is one of over 700 Exchange Clubs throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

They follow the lead of their National Exchange Club when it comes to supporting organizations that perform child abuse awareness and prevention services. In fact, the awareness and prevention of child abuse is their national project and National has established a foundation to make it happen. They welcome visitors and prospective members, so if you’re interested in checking out an active group that enjoys its hands-on role in community service, the Greater Newtown Exchange Club is the organization for you.

To receive a personal invitation, contact them at 215-469-1466 or e-mail them at info@newtownexchangeclub.org.

Visit their FACEBOOK page or click on their website at www.newtownexchangeclub.org.

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Kids in Care

January 3, 2013 By

The mission of the Kids in Care (KIC) project is to support Bucks County youth and families with behavioral health needs through provision of a mentoring relationship, which promotes recovery and resiliency.

The Kids in Care project originated in late 2007 as an enhancement project of the Bucks County Family Friends program. It was out of a countywide commitment that the need to provide support to children in Residential Treatment Facilities (RTF) was discovered.

With this recognition, KIC began its initial development on the basis that children in RTF often have little or no natural support in their lives. Because of this, KIC was designed as a way to provide natural support to youth in behavioral health RTF’s by matching them with mentors in order to promote their recovery and resiliency.

Research demonstrates that children and adolescents in mental health residential treatment are more successful with shorter lengths of stay, and that a successful discharge often hinges on having one positive relationship with an adult. However, a non-clinical mentor provides a sense of normalcy and friendship separate from the facility.

It has been noted by RTF staff that after a long day of therapy, they do not wish to have any further therapeutic discussions. Rather, the mentees look forward to having someone to simply “hang out” with. The KIC mentors provide this interaction that promotes the development of normal social skills, improved self-esteem and increased self-worth.

The KIC goals include: reducing the length of stay in a RTF for youth matched with mentors; reducing re-admissions to RTF’s by promoting recovery and resiliency for youth matched with mentors; and supporting mentees in RTF’s through discharge and transition back into the community.

KIC mentors have an ongoing and ever-changing role in their relationship with their mentee. In fact, the number and variety of roles a mentor takes on may increase with the longevity of the relationship. KIC mentor roles include being a positive role model, a friend and companion, an advocate, a motivator and a supporter.

Mentors must have 30-hours of core training before they are matched with their mentee. Core training includes an overview of KIC; information on relationship building and confidentiality procedure; introductions to community agencies in Bucks County; qualities of a successful mentor; the role of the mentor; common concerns; communication skills; and an explanation of boundaries.

KIC training takes advantage of outside knowledge and has had the expertise of several guest speakers throughout past trainings. These guest speakers have included representatives from Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA), children and youth, juvenile probation, and the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission.

Kids in Care is partnered with several RTF’s in Bucks County. For more info contact Program Coordinator, Dawn Hoopes, at 1-800-770-4822, ext. 1729.

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‘What’s Up?’ – Young people clue in adults at Newtown Quaker Meeting

December 11, 2012 By
NG Quaker

 

by Norval Reece

Newtown Quaker Meeting has over 90 children and young people registered for its First Day (Sunday) School. 

The Quaker Meeting’s strong commitment to families and intergenerational communication has prompted various programs to promote such – including two recent programs with young people speaking to the adult class as a creative way to address the “Communications GAP.” 

The programs are the brainchild of Elizabeth Hurst, a Newtown behavioral therapist who works with children, families and adolescents. 

Elizabeth says, “It’s thrilling to talk with these young people. They are thoughtful, creative, have great ideas and a lot to say. These programs let us adults see the world around them through the eyes of the next generation.”

Other intergenerational programs feature pizza and games nights and Friday night dinners at the Meetinghouse, sponsored by the youth to raise funds for charitable organizations.

The first panel discussion featured five teenage Quakers speaking to the Newtown Meeting Adult Class. 

They candidly discussed their views of the relevance of Quakerism and religion to their generation, the Quaker peace testimony and real life situations, technology and its compatibility with Quaker beliefs like simplicity and integrity, the Quaker process of not taking votes but “gathering a sense of the meeting” when all are in agreement and its compatibility with the necessity of getting things done by a deadline, and the view of Quakers and Quakerism as seen by their peers.  

The teenage panelists were Jack Dugan (George School), Katie Hulihan (Council Rock HS), Baxter Hurst-Blair (Philadelphia HS of Performing Arts), Brennan Kinnel (George School), and Sophie Myles (George School). 

The following week five Quaker middle school students told the Adult Class what they thought about the same issues and some additional topics. 

What is the most important Quaker testimony (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Service, Stewardship) to you and/or your generation? What tensions do you encounter between your Quaker beliefs and your life as a teenager? 

Are cell phones and video games and other forms of modern technology compatible with the Quaker concept of simplicity?

The five speakers were Hannah Dugan, Betsy Hulihan, Kate Klaver, Sophie Lynch, and Violet Myles.

PHOTO CAP: Teenage panelists from left, Sophia Lynch, Betsy Hulihan, and Violet Myles with moderator Elizabeth Hurst (right).

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Bucks County Youth Shelter and Street Outreach Program

April 23, 2012 By

VYH by June Portnoy

Did you know that one in seven kids from ages 10 to 18 will run away? Sixty-nine percent of runaways are ages 15 to 18. Forty-six percent of runaways will spend up to three days on the streets.

If you think this problem only happens in large cities or bad neighborhoods, think again. It’s happening right now throughout Bucks County. For just that reason, the Valley Youth House (VYH) Shelter was established in Warminster eight years ago. It’s a 13-bed runaway and youth shelter that provides a safe place for Bucks County teens between the ages of 13 and 17 to stay temporarily.

Every child who comes to this shelter is experiencing some form of trauma and/or their situation at home has reached a breaking point that has motivated them to reach out for support and guidance. Unlike many youth shelters, VYH offers a comfortable, home-like setting that helps these kids feel normal during a stressful situation at home. While there, kids are typically transported to and from their home schools. Group outings are also arranged.

“This is not a lock-down facility,” says Shane Burroughs, former counselor at the shelter. “It’s designed for kids who want to be there to make improvements and changes in their lives.”

Many of them need therapeutic interactions to learn how to make things better and more manageable at home. VYH provides individual, family and group therapy. The ultimate goal is the reunification of these teens with their family.

If the Valley Youth House name sounds familiar, it’s because it has been serving children and their families since 1973 when its first shelter opened in Bethlehem, PA. Since its inception, that shelter has successfully helped over 10,000 teens.

From VYH evolved The Synergy Project, a street outreach program offering assistance to runaways, homeless and displaced children who are 21 years of age or under. Many of them live in cars or couch hop from friend to friend. This is a three-year federally funded program started two-and-a-half years ago. The hope is that Synergy will receive another three years of funding when its current funds run out.

[Read more...]

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