By: Les Sdorow
The introductory meeting of Bucks Promise for Youth and Communities is set for 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14, at the New Hope-Solebury Middle School cafeteria on West Bridge Street (Route 179) in New Hope.
The meeting is open to all New Hope and Solebury residents.
The program is a joint effort between Gen. Colin Powell’s "America’s Promise" and Gov. Tom Ridge’s "Communities That Care."
Harry T. Lipschultz, Community Mobilizer for Bucks Promise for Youth and Communities, appeared at last week’s Solebury Township Board of Supervisors meeting to ask for the supervisors’ support for the program.
Mr. Lipschultz said that the program represents an effort to use the skills and resources available in the community for the betterment of local youth.
"We identify a problem, we assess the problem, and then we design a program to deal with the problem," he said.
Supervisor Robert Byrne agreed to serve as liaison between the board and the program.
Bucks County has been designated by Gov. Ridge and Gen. Powell as a national pilot site for the program.
Each of the communities representing the 13 Bucks County school districts is invited to participate in the comprehensive, research-based program, which aims to prevent adolescent problem behavior.
Eve Gelman, a Solebury resident who introduced Mr. Lipschultz, stressed that the approaches used by the program have proven effective elsewhere.
Certain "key leaders" attended a "Key Leaders Orientation" May 2 at New Hope-Solebury High School to identify potential Community Prevention Board members who would be able to facilitate the program.
Each community board will choose an "informed advocate" to Bucks Promise for Youth and Communities. The advocates will set policies for the program, including the distribution of funds. Other community members will be asked to help design, implement, and evaluate specific projects.
For more information call (215) 244-7607 or e-mail: [email protected]
