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HomeMy WebLinkAboutII (A2) Families Networking Together - Former Commissioner Gleason Agenda 7-15-97 Item II A 2 "CENTER OF GOOD LIVING-PRIDE OF WEST ORANGE" MAYOR•COMMISSIONER S. SCOTT VANDERGRIFT Ocoee 0 CITY OF OCOEE D COMMISSIONERS ANNY HOWELL •`y • a 150 N.LAKESHORE DRIVE SCOTT A.GLASS v OCOEE,FLORIDA 34761-2258 NANCY J.PARKER ,. (407)656-2322 SCOTT ANDERSON CITY MANAGER r�P G 00��` ELLIS SHAPIRO July 7, 1997 Mr. Jim Gleason 856 Hammocks Drive Ocoee, FL 34761 RE: FAMILIES NETWORKING TOGETHER Dear Mr. Gleason: This letter is to confirm that you are being placed on the July 15, 1997, City Commission Agenda with regard to the above-referenced matter under Presentations. By copy of this letter I am advising Jean Grafton, City Clerk that you are to be placed on that Agenda. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Grafton at 656-2322, extension 147. Sincerely, i apiro anager ES2w:fdg:152 cc: Jean Grafton, City Clerk July 1, 1997 Mr. Ellis Shapiro City Manager Ocoee, FT. FAX 407-656-8504 Dear Ellis, I am requesting the opportunity to address the Ocoee City Commission on Tuesday, July 15, 1997. I will be speaking on behalf of an organization, Families Networking Together,based at West Orange High School. T would like the Council to consider a financial donation to support two projects One is Safe Weekends and the second is Project Graduation (information enclosed). I will be making similar requests to the cities of Windermere, Winter Garden, and Oakland. I believe in establishing a partnership with government,business, schools,and parents. We can help educate our youth to make safe and healthy decisions concerning alcohol, drugs, violence, sex, and free-time choices. i thank you for the opportunity to address your City Commission. Sincerely, Jim Gleason 856 Hammocks Drive Ocoee, FL 34761 (407) 299-9130 T0 'd 8SL6 T6Z Lob Adtid3H1 NOISS3NdWO0 Wd SC^i' : ZO L6-TO--lflf FAMILIES NETWORKING 'TOGETHER II'I LKENI).S PRUJL(7'(GRA1)11471ONC'UM1'ONI N'1;S WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL SAFE PROGRAM WINTER GARDEN, FLORIDA For the second year of pilot project Families Networking Together(FNT)at West Orange High School,the broad goals are to establish chapters of Weekends(WKDS)and Project Graduation(PG)for high school students The mission statement of FNT states a dedication to providing safe social environments and establishing a variety of acceptable activities for teenagers. WKDS and PG will complete the FNT programming which also includes SafeHomes(SH) SI1 is the branch focusing on increased parent communication, information,and education regarding young people and their well-being. The first pilot project year was devoted to development and implementation of SH In the desire to send clear, unambiguous messages about boundaries,values,and actions regarding alcohol,drugs, -curfew, violence, sex,and social choices to our young people, WKDS and PG are programs that succeed in bringing parents,children,and community together to accomplish these goals. Families Networking Together is a collaborative of SH,WKDS,and PG. Funding of the second pilot year would complete the development of FNT at West Orange High School. Great interest has been shown toward FNT as a prototype reproducible in all Orange County high schools. In the 1997-98 year, FNT will begin development of SH in student feeder schools of Winter Park High School, University High School, Edgewater nigh School,and Boone High School hi some schools,activities have been available, but little to nothing has been accomplished bringing parents together for communication and education regarding their middle and high school age children. Families Networking Together is a vehicle to coordinate doing both in an effective and efficient way. Weekends gives teens positive choices about safe,affordable substance-free activities. The program is for teens by teens. The purpose is also to promote and develop self-esteem and leadership qualities and to encourage volunteerism among young people as concerns their high school and community. Project Graduation gives seniors and their guests a safe,night-long party to attend the evening of graduation. The celebration is"lock-in"style with guests signing a pledge of an alcohol and drug free evening with dancing. movies,games,alcohol-free alternatives that is chaperoned. In schools having one or both programs in place, endorsement makes clear these are successful alternatives to children without such choices. The targeted group for WKDS and PG will be students in grades 6-12 of the West Orange High School feeder area. The estimated number to be served would be 350_ Fifty patents for WKDS and fifty parents for PG will be recruited to work along side the students to plan and implement activities. Community civic,business,and church partners will be sought for financial, in-kind,and volunteer assistance. The goal is fifty members front such organizations to assist with the successful accomplishment of activities. Z0'd 8SL6 T6Z LOt' Ac1083H1 NOISS32►dWOO Wd ££: Z0 L6-T0- lrnf p. 2 Families Networking Together Specific objectives and outcomes for the pilot project year developing the FNT components of WKDS and PG are the following: 1 Impact 500 students in positive activities through Project Graduation and Weekends by May, 1998. 1.1 To provide an activity coordinator to research, develop, and implement activities. 2 Provide opportunities for 200 students within the West Orange School area to participate in appropriate leadership and healthy self-esteem workshops by October 30, 1997 2.1 To identify criteria for selection of students to participate in workshops and to develop a plan of action that will present programs to other students 3 Recruit 150 parents and community members to help implement the student-driven activities of Project Graduation and Weekends by October 30, 1997. 3.1 To form appropriate committees of youth,parents,and conuuunity members to plan and implement activities. With the completion of the second pilot project year,INT will have completed all program development. The goal then will be to share this organization's collaborative concept with other interested schools. £0 'd 8SL6 T 6Z Lob Adt$N3H1 NO I SS3NdWO3 Wd b£: Zo L6—T 0—lflt AA rM 1 • .44 OF GREATER ORLANDO , INCgo . o? For Your information °siri�e • WEEKNDSTM is a non-profit,501(e)(3)organi7atinn,run for teens y teens,that provides substance -and violence -free activities, leadership development and community service opportunities for high school teens. • The WEEKENDSTM concept originated at Winter Park High School in 1988 and now includes "chapters" at nine area high schools' Apopka,Bishop Moore,Boone, Colonial, Dr Phillips, Edgewater,Jones, Lake Highland and Winter Park WEEKENDSIM strives to empower teens to make positive choices when faced with societal and peer pressure_ We hope to develop leadership skills, breed a sense of community and build self-esteem in our community's teens. We achieve this youth development through the three types of choices that our teens create for their fellow teens: Social Alternatives Choices:There is at least one safe, affordable, substance-free and fun event each month available to all interested teens. in addition, WEEKENDS'" has Alternative Events which initiate partnerships with local businesses to create "hangouts" for teens_ These Alternative Events may include such activities as movies, bowling, skating or eating out. Leadership Development Choices. WEEKENDS TM provides numerous leadership development activities throughout the year for hundreds of Central Florida teens involved in the program There are meetings several times each month where students are exposed to team work, real life responsibilities, cultural diversity, program planning, fund raising and time management. in addition, WEEKENDS" offers an annual leadership development program. This community-wide courso is sponsored by area businesses and focuses on teamwork, strength in diversity,stress management and goal achievement The Series includes an all-day retreat complete with personality profiles and team building initiatives. Community Involvement Choices Through WEEKENDS''",teenagers are exposed to the many volunteer opportunities available throughout our community. With volunteerism at an all time high nationwide, this area of the WEEKENDS''program is rapidly growing. Today's teens recognize the importance of being involved in their community. They know that by investing themselves today they are making a better tomorrow, not only for themselves, hut for the community as a whole. • WEEKENDSTu works closely with the school board and local law enforcement- the Orange County Sheriffs Office,Orange County School Board, Orlando Police Department and State Attorney's Office are represented on the WEEKENDSTM Board of Directors. School police liaison officers attend all chapter and county -wide events; and the program has received funding from the Maitland Police Department,the Orange County Sheriffs Department,the Orlando Police Department and the Winter Park Police Department. • WEEKENDS'"has been endorsed by Orange County Chairman Linda Chapin, Orange County Public Schools Supefintendent Dr.Donald Shaw, Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary, Orlando Mayor Glenda E. Hood,Winter Park Mayor Gary Brewer and retired Winter Park Chief Jim Younger. P.O. Box 536055, Orlando, FL 32853-6055 (407) 898-8277 (/4) irni i c><riokiDA V un,itow�r b0 'd 8SL6 i6Z Lob Adti i3H1 NOISS3ddW03 Wd S£: 3O L6-L0-1nr " o3'W r Giai;oomto6 EVERYONE Benefits! ISTUDENTS • No one has to make a decision about alcohol and other drugs or mixing alcohol and/or other drugs with driving. • The cost is minimal or free. • At most parties everyone goes home with a prize or favor. • Students will look back on this party as a very special night to remember. • Students experience what a great time they have celebrating without the use of alcohol or other drugs. • A new tradition is established which works as a positive force to combat chemical use and driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. STUDENTS: GRADUATION PARTIES • EVERY senior has a party to attend on graduation night. • All seniors are together to celebrate, perhaps for the last time. STUDENTS: PROM PARTIES • EVERY student has a party to attend on prom night--even if they have no date or cannot afford to attend the prom. PARENTS • Parents know their children won't be using alcohol or drugs at this event. • Parents know their children will not be driving drunk or drugged, riding as passengers with a drunk or drugged driver, or be out on the road where another drunk or drugged driver may hit them. • Parents know where their children are. • Parents know their students are Supervised. • Parents make friends with other parents who work on the party. • Parents may begin to question how the committee can provide other alcohol/drug-free social activities for youth. • Parents may begin to question whether alcohol always has to be part of their own celebrations and how that may influence their children's celebrations. • Parents may get involved in other school related activities after seeing how much fun this i • was. THE COMMUNITY • Everyone joins together to work toward a common goal. • The community can take pride in providing a positive experience for teens. • The community can discover how everyone working together can make a difference. REASONS FOR BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS, SCHOOL AND PARENTS TO HELP • Benefits ALL students--no one is left cut of the fun. • Trying to prevent tragedy. I . Show teens they can have fun without using alcohol or other drugs. • Give students a good choice rather than no choice. • Prom and Graduation are the two highest-risk nights for any high school student. • Prevent peer pressure to drink or uSe other drugs. • Keep some parents from illegally serving alcohol to minors because they think there are no options. • Give parents a worry-free night when they know their students are safe. • Let school administrators rest easy knowing the students are safe. gO 'd 8SL6 T6Z Lob AdOei3H1 NOISS321d14O0 Wd S£: ZO L6-TO- lflt F'A!%lll,IES NETWORKING TOGETHER SAFEHOMES PROJECT WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL PTSA WINTER GARDEN,FLORIDA CONCEPT PAPER, PROBLEM STAT1e LENT Much like the Nation, the state of Florida is faced with disturbing trends for teenagers T c State of Florida Prevention Needs Assessment Study Alcohol and Other Drugs Summary completed in August 1996 shows for a sample of 22,452 children ages 12-18 the following: 'Alcohol use Males.70.7% Ferrules,47 4'/e 'Marijuana use Males, 21.5% Females, 13.8% *Cocaine use Moles, 7.8% Females, 3 3% *inhalants use Males, 12.0% Females, 7.1% The results of a similar study in Orange County illustrated the same disturbing trends. 'Alcohol use 42% "Marijuana use 32% 'Cocaine use 4.5% 'inhalants use 9% In Orange County, Florida. statistics from the Department of Juvenile Justice report a 5tt'/o u,crease in youth referred for serious delinquency offenses between 1992 and 1996. The Orange County Public Schools Risk-Reduction Project identified the West Orange area as one of three must at-risk areas in the Central Florida Among the critical needs identified in the Risk-Reduction Project report was lack of parental knowledge of drug use and indicators of use as well as tack of parent parental support Parents were alarmed when they learned the recuits of West Orange SAFE Substance Survey Report 1994-95 given to 30% of West Orange I ligh School students grades 9-12 Data from this report show: *Students unsupervised in free time at home or in neighborhood 61% *Students using wine or wine coolers 55'/. 'Students drinking beer 48% 'Students drinking hard liquor 37% 'Students smoking marijuana 24% *Students feeling pressure to use alcohol and other drugs 24% 'Students knowing other students who use alcohol or other drugs 77% Other substances students identified as being used included cocaine, heroin, f.SD, aerosol products, uppers, and downers. The school district of West Orange High School is approximately twelve miles west of Orlando and serves the communities of Ocoee, Pine Hills,Windermere,Winter Garden,Oakland, 90 'd SSL6 T6Z LOT, AdON3H1 NOISS32tdWO3 Wd 9£: Z0 L6—TO-1f1f The Orlando Sentinel r_JOHN ru,uJzz Vice Arad nt and Editor FOUNDED Ip1a JANE E HEALY,Managing Editor • 6JJ N ORANGE AVE..ORLANDO,FL,A.1210i-I349 MANNING PYNN.Edito+ojthe Id�tonot Pops (407)420 5000 WILLIAM B.DUNN.Ammar Managing Eduvr MICtt&EL W BALES,Attac+au Managing Editor • • Deputy Managing Editor* JOHN P.PUF-RNER JAIAfS P.TONER P !41nt and Pupiuh+r STEVEN L DOYLE DANA S.EAGLES Helpstay teens on course Young people who have hope in a bright future and the tools to lead productive lives are unlikely to cause trouble. Two of the country's top law-enforce- pre k ds to lead ment officials predict that that b by the year 2005 the United States may be • facing its worst crime epidemic because ,,. this country's teen population will be larg- ' er than ever. '` 3r.. +* t Louis Freeh, director of the Federal - Bureau of Investigation, and Thomas Con- stantine,director of the Drug Enforcement Safety Administration, made that dire prediction earlier this month before members of the lives are unlikely to cause trouble. There- V.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. They fore, the most effective solution is to pre- base their fears on the anticipated size of vent young people from going off course the teen population and their contention by. that members of that age group tend to be violent. ■ Providing facilities and programs Of course, it's alarmingthat crimes where young people can have safe and wholesome Nn. Community leaders and involving teens have increased. Some clergy can play an important role in that adults, though, have leapt to the conclu- area. sion that criminal behavior by a relatively small portion of the teen population means • Investing more energy and creativity that most young people are bad, into making education more effective. The truth is that most teens are good. ■ Ensuring that all young people who Indeed, young people are a treasure and graduate from high school are headed to this nation's most valuable resource for a college or other post-secondary education bright future. to be trained in marketable employment Unfortunately,though, the actions of the skis. most violent teens often get most of the ■ Building a strong economy that will attention. It's appropriate that local and provide good opportunities in the work- state governments have taken measures to place for all young people who have lock up those dangerous teens. received a sound education. To avoid the nightmare predictions of ■ Encouraging parents to spend more Mr. Freeh and Mr. Constantine, however, time with their children to instill in them will require much more than tough talk of worthwhile values, such as the importance punishment and prisons, which is where of hard work and self-respect. That is most political energy in Washington and another area in which the assistance of Tallahassee has been focused. clergy and community leaders would be Relying solely on brute force is risky helpful because that approach often sows the Unless America heeds the predictions of seeds of alienation, anger and more vio- Mr. Freeh and Mr. Constantine and gets to lence,which would be counterproductive. work now in those areas, this nation will Young people who have hope in a bright be doomed to endure the heartache of more crime by young people. future and the tools to lead productive O .d Lob 1,dtid3H1 NOISS3NAWO7 Wd L2: ZO L6-TO—1lf SSL6 T6Z