Two local youth groups were honored by the town council Monday night for their work in helping advocate healthy habits while avoiding “risky behaviors."
The goal of the is to bring middle and high school students together with parents, town officials, business owners and police officers to help bring awareness to the community about substance abuse by underage children and show students that there are better activities than underage drinking.
The “” after school club is a program where police officers interact with middle and high school students in youth development activities. The program allows teenagers to build leadership qualities, learn team-building initiatives and develop social skills.
“We take them to various places so that they can learn that you can have fun being sober,” said Lori Stanczyc, who is the advisor to both groups.
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During a slideshow presentation, Stanczyc talked about accomplishments and projects of both groups such as a , , and . Both groups made the design for the that they wore to each of their events.
“They are very creative kids,” she said.
The final event for the “Cops & Kids Unplugged” will be to and the Rocky Hill Coalition will have a dinner at in the coming weeks.
In the end, Stanczyc thanked the students for all their volunteer work and advocating tor substance free activities.
“I want to thank you all for all your work in prevention for the town of Rocky Hill,” she said. “I applaud your efforts.”
For the past three years, the “Cops & Kids Unplugged” program has been funded through federal grants. After three years, Rocky Hill will not be receiving the grant next year, however Stanczyc said the group will continue the program through fundraising efforts.
The Rocky Hill Coalition is funding through Capital Area Substance Abuse Council and fundraising. The coalition has already received funding from CASAC for next year.
Anyone interested in joining or donating to the coalition or the ” is asked to call 860-258-2752. The public can send donations to the Champions for Youth c/o Rocky Hill Youth and Family Services, 699 Old Main Street, Rocky Hill, CT, 06067.
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