Youth Invited to Party Hearty: Register by April 22 for ‘Safe Night’ Party

Somerset County Board of Freeholders
SOMERVILLE – Somerset County youth in grades 7 to 12 are invited to enjoy a “Safe Night” party on Saturday, April 30, from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Somerville High School gym, located at 222 Davenport St.  The theme is “Black Out!” and participants are asked to dress in black and bring a glow stick.
“Safe Night” parties offer youth an evening planned by their peers and adults at which there are no weapons, alcohol, drugs or arguments and where they can party, play and learn.
Admission is $3, which includes refreshments and door prizes. Seating is limited to the first 200 registrants. Registration and payment are due by Friday, April 22.
          “The ‘Safe Night’ program is not just a one-night experience, because participants learn leadership, team building and character-building skills that will last them a lifetime,” said Freeholder Patricia L. Walsh, human services liaison.
“This is the 12th year Somerset County is hosting a ‘Safe Night’ program. The program brings youth together in a fun-filled, safe environment where they can openly discuss important and relevant topics such as resolving conflicts peacefully, managing emotions and preventing violence,” she said.
The evening will begin with an introduction by Somerset County Youth Council members Yelean Choy and Ambika Sharma, followed by a welcome by Freeholder Peter S. Palmer, youth council liaison. 
The keynote speaker is Katie Meyler, founder of the More Than Me Foundation. Afterwards, teens will experience firsthand what it feels like to drive while drunk by wearing Fatal Vision simulator goggles, playing basketball and volleyball, dancing to the music of a disc jockey, enjoying games and playing Wii’s Just Dance 2 video game.
Ms. Meyler has lived and worked in Latin America, Asia, and in a post-war village in Liberia, West Africa. She uses real-life stories to educate her audiences on local and global challengers. Meyler inspires audiences with her powerful message that we are all capable of doing something great, despite our background, experience or age.
The “Safe Night” program is presented by the Somerset County Youth Council, EmPoWER Somerset, Somerville High School Peer Leaders and Middle Earth.
“Safe Night” collaborators and co-sponsors include the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Somerset County Department of Human Services, Somerset County Youth Council, EmPoWER Somerset, Somerville High School Peer Leaders and Middle Earth.
The “Safe Night” program was begun by former police officer Olusegun “Olu” Sijuwade through the City of Milwaukee Health Department in 1994. It is recognized by the National Crime Prevention Council as a model violence prevention program.
            To register or for information about the “Safe Night” program, contact Sarah Murchison of the Somerset County Department of Human Services at (908) 704-6307 or [email protected].