The Outreach Center Opens in 9 Days!

The countdown is here! Only nine more days and we open the doors to the Outreach Drop-in Center.

Oz Diaz, Director of Outreach Center, has been busy preparing the outreach center process. On Saturday, August 29th (tomorrow), he will meet with the outreach center counselors (Ally, Donna, Ken, Kristina, and Rob) to go over the process.

New Volunteers
We have a few new volunteers attending training in mid-September. If you are interested in our program, contact us at worcester@standupforkids.org. We hold an information session every month.

The Youth Homeless Numbers in Worcester
Worcester Community Connections is conducting a survey to find out the number of homeless youth in Worcester. StandUp For Kids was asked among other agencies to survey kids last week. Oz Diaz, Rob Donnelly, and Donna Katsoudas surveyed several kids during street outreach. We'll keep you posted on the outcome of this survey.

The Summer Newsletter is Here!

Thank you to Rob Donnelly (Director of Volunteers) for creating the Summer 2009 Newsletter.  You can read it now at the StandUp For Kids Worcester Program Site.  The newsletter link is on the right corner of the page (scroll down just a little).  Plus, our site is looking very nice from all the design updates that Rob requested.  Thanks to David at National for keeping up with us!

Outreach Center Update

Ally Trull (Director of Street Outreach) and the Outreach Counselors continue to spread the word to kids about the Outreach Center opening.  Oz Diaz (Director of Outreach Center) and a couple Outreach Counselors will also hit the streets on opening day to remind kids about the center and take the walk to the outreach center with any kids interested.  Outreach Counselors will be back at the center ready with opening day activities.

Interested in Volunteering?  Meet Us on Wednesday, August 26th

We are having an information session for anyone interested in volunteering for StandUp For Kids (SUFK):

Wednesday, August 26th

7:00PM

Banx Room

Worcester Public Library

You will get all the details on SUFK from Rob Donnelly.  Contact us with any questions at worcester@standupforkids.org.

Donations.  Donations.  Donations.

We have obtained several outreach center supplies.  We now have a laptop, television, filing cabinet, etc.  Thanks to everyone who has donated!  

We still need more items for both street outreach and the outreach center:  Wish List.  

Also, thank you to volunteer Donna Katsoudas for her fund development efforts this month.  She created a great donation letter and wish list for local businesses, and began reaching out to local businesses.

The Don't Run Away Taskforce: Progress!  Progress!  Progress!

The National Don't Run Away Taskforce continues to make progress in updating the Don't Run Away Program.  The Website Team has developed all preliminary web content for the new site.  The updated Don't Run Away Training Manual is in progress.  And drafts of the DRA Informational Presentation and DRA Fact Sheet have been completed.  Thank you to Rob Donnelly and Kristina England (Executive Director) who continue to serve on the taskforce.

Announcing the Director of Outreach Center

Outreach Center Update

One of our outreach counselors, Oz Diaz, has stepped up to the new Director of Outreach Center position.  Oz shows amazing commitment to street outreach and promises to bring a positive energy and dedication to this leadership position.

Stopping By Boston

Rob Donnelly, Director of Volunteers, visited the StandUp For Kids - Boston program on Sunday, August 9th.  The Boston program is a great group of people.  If you are in the Boston area and interested in volunteering for SUFK, please visit their site for more information:  http://www.standupforkids.org/local/Massachusetts/boston/.

This Week's Worcester Update

Outreach Center Update

Six of our volunteers met today to discuss the opening of the outreach center.  Some great ideas/suggestions were brought up along with questions to address before we open the drop-in center.

We are looking for some outreach center supplies.  Check out our wish list at:  http://www.standupforkids.org/local/Massachusetts/Worcester/wishlist.html.  If you would like to donation supplies, please contact worcester@standupforkids.org.

We are also currently seeking volunteers for the outreach center.  If you are interested in volunteering at our new outreach center, please attend our next volunteer information session:

Wednesday, August 26th

7:00PM

Banx Room

Worcester Public Library

RSVP to worcester@standupforkids.org.

Keeping Up on the Local News

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette published an article today entitled "Street survivors" that talks about a group of young adults in Worcester that call themselves Street Survivors.  Here's the link:  http://www.telegram.com/article/20090806/NEWS/908060580/1101