Warren County career mentoring program works for at-risk youth
(Credit: Courtesy Warren County, 2023)
Amanda Parker, owner of A Pretty Parlor in South Glens Falls, was a mentor to Jordyn in Warren County's jobs program for at-risk youth.
From a press release: Two Warren County agencies along with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks and local businesses are working together to help at-risk youth and young adults gain workforce skills and experience.
The Warren County Career Mentoring Program pilot project began last fall working with the Warren County Probation Department, the Warren County Department of Workforce Development, the local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter and local businesses to provide supportive internships and mentorships to underserved youth ages 14 and up. The 8-week, after school program, places them with businesses that have agreed to have their staff serve as mentors.
The first session wrapped up in December and was viewed as very successful. Additional sessions are planned for this spring and next fall.
Participating worksites: Romeo Toyota, Assemblymen Matthew Simpson's office, A Pretty Parlor beauty salon, and Sawyer Family Chiropractic.
“Studies show that both employment skills development and mentoring programs directed toward under-resourced youth have lasting beneficial effects on participants’ developmental goals," said Warren County Probation Supervisor Amy Secor.
Those benefits include improved outlooks on post-secondary education, employment, reduced likelihood of involvement in problem behavior or in the justice system. Those overseeing the program are finding that the youth have created strong bonds with their business mentors, and learned valuable career skills as well.
Amanda Parker, owner of A Pretty Parlor, said that the program "shows the youth that they are more than just kids and that they matter. Being involved showed them how to be a part of something. In the short time of six weeks we saw a difference in Jordyn, the young woman who we worked with. We saw her develop and mature.”
Bill Moon, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, said his organization has had good success working with Warren County Probation and Workforce Development staff on various youth programs.
“We share a common vision and approach to problem solving, innovating and exploring new ways to address issues are the common thread that makes our partnership strong,” Moon said. “We know that our aging workforce needs more young people to enter the workplace to keep our communities strong, and our youth need exposure to opportunities as they set paths for their futures. Our goal is for every young person in this program to graduate with a plan for their future and a mentor for a lifetime.”
Those seeking more information about the program can contact Bill Moon at Big Brothers Big Sisters at 518-798-1010. Transportation can be provided for youth participants who are in need of it.
Blood Drive today, 1-6 p.m. Aviation Mall
From a press release: Aviation Mall will be hosting a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Friday, Jan. 20 from 1 to 6 p.m. across from Regal Cinema.
The month of January is National Blood Donor Month. The American Red Cross recognizes America’s donors and encourages more people to give blood. The Red Cross reminds healthy, eligible individuals to make an appointment in the new year since the winter months are one of the most difficult times to collect lifesaving blood.
“Everyone knows someone whose life has been changed through a blood transfusion. National Blood Donor Month is an opportunity to recognize the more than seven million people who donate blood each year and we encourage more people to become donors and help save lives,” said Kate Fry, chief executive officer at America’s Blood Centers.
When donors come to give in January, they will have a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LVII getaway to Arizona, including pre-game activities, round-trip airfare to Phoenix and three-night hotel accommodations for two.
Please visit our website at www.shopaviationmall.com to check out the latest sales and events at Aviation Mall.
UAlbany Announces $1M Gift to New York State Writers Institute to Launch 40th Anniversary Season
From a press release: President Havidán Rodríguez announced a $1 million gift from area philanthropists Chet and Karen Opalka to establish The Opalka Endowed Directorship of the New York State Writers Institute (NYSWI) at the University at Albany. The endowment will provide perpetual support for the Writers Institute's leadership and its creative programming, while ensuring the organization's future as one of the preeminent literary presenting organizations in the United States.
"We are making history tonight with the largest gift in the program's 40-year history," Rodríguez said. "The Opalkas' transformative gift assures the continued excellence of the Writers Institute for the next 40 years and beyond."
Paul Grondahl, director of the Writers Institute since 2017, will be the first recipient of the directorship.
“It is my honor and a great privilege to hold the title of The Opalka Endowed Directorship,” Grondahl said. “Chet and Karen Opalka inspire me with their philanthropy, their sustained commitment to arts organizations across the Capital Region, and especially the Writers Institute over the years.”
Since its founding in 1983, the New York State Writers Institute has brought more than 2,500 writers, including 13 Nobel laureates and more than 100 Pulitzer and National Book Award winners, to the University at Albany.