By: Richard L. Smith
The United Community Corporation (UCC) is set to launch a groundbreaking spring break program titled "Spring Into Action to Conquer Violence," targeting the youth of greater Newark.
Scheduled from April 1 to April 5 at the West Side Park Community Center, this initiative, orchestrated by UCC's Community-Based Violence Intervention (CBVI) program, aims to curb violence through a series of engaging and interactive events.
Yolanda Loney, the Director of the Youth, Families, and Senior Services Department at UCC, highlighted the significance of spring break as a critical period for the youth.
Loney pointed out the unfortunate uptick in violent incidents during this time, underscoring UCC's commitment to offering a safe and stimulating environment for young individuals.
"We encourage youth to come out and experience a week of organized sports, conversations, and much more," Loney stated, emphasizing the program's focus on engagement and motivation.
The weeklong event promises a diverse range of activities designed to cater to various interests and facilitate meaningful discussions on pertinent issues.
The schedule kicks off with "Spring Break Flag Football" on April 1, offering a day filled with sports, food, and prizes.
Following this energetic start, the program includes "A Real Life Monopoly" to educate participants on financial literacy and a session titled "Comfort and Convo vs. Straight Talk" with Celebrity Life Strategist Jax Lake, which focuses on self-esteem and empowerment.
Midweek, the "Spring Break Frenzy" will see a girl's basketball tournament coupled with motivational speaking aimed at empowering young women through sports.
The series concludes on April 5 with "Brush-n-Slush Walking Into a Better Me," a creative painting exercise paired with discussions on personal growth.
The "Spring Into Action to Conquer Violence" program is supported by a coalition of local and state partners, including the New Jersey Office of Attorney General, the City of Newark Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, and the Newark West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly, among others.
This collaboration underscores a community-wide commitment to fostering safe and positive outlets for the youth.
Registration details and more information about this promising initiative are available on UCC's website, uccnewark.org.
This program not only offers a fun-filled break for Newark's youth but also serves as a vital step towards addressing and mitigating violence within the community.