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<DIV>I've been reading the posts about reading and writing for pleasure and I was struck by Julie's (Team Kids) comments so I just had to write about the students from the Reconnecting Youth (RY) program here in Portland, Maine!</DIV>
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<DIV>The coalition I work for evaluates RY (SAMHSA model program for 'at-risk' youth) and works closely with the instructors and students and I am so fortunate that I get to hear the success stories--and challenges--of the young men and women that have come through the classes over the past 2 years). </DIV>
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<DIV>A few weeks ago, our City Council declared April "Youth Alcohol Prevention Month" and two RY students (one male, one female) stood up in front of the Council and read what they had written about their life experiences and about the positive impact RY has had on their lives. These kids blew everyone away with their eloquence and presence! I think the students (and maybe others) weren't sure what to expect but the kids received a resounding response from all council members and community members after their individual presentations. These two students were so insightful and moving in what they had written and in how they spoke; it just goes to show the amazing power of listening to youth in our community as they have a lot to say! </DIV>
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<DIV>Each semester the teacher gives out journals for each teen and they also watch the movie "Freedom Writers" and talk about the power of writing. The RY class has also "branded" T-shirts for the group and on the back they read "STAFF;" the young woman who spoke at the Council meeting shared HER idea of what STAFF meant to her:</DIV>
<DIV>S - strength<BR>T - trust<BR>A - attitude<BR>F - foundation<BR>F - family</DIV>
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<DIV>It really doesn't get much better than this and I'm thrilled to bear witness to any of it. Thanks for listening!</DIV>
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<DIV>Amanda Edgar</DIV>
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<DIV>One Maine One Portland & Portland's Overdose Prevention Project<BR>City of Portland Public Health Division<BR>Health & Human Services Dept<BR>389 Congress Street<BR>Portland, Maine 04101<BR>Phone: 207.756.8053 <BR>Fax: 207.874.8913</DIV>
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<DIV><A href="http://www.substanceabuse.portlandmaine.gov">http://www.substanceabuse.portlandmaine.gov</A></DIV>
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