Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative News

News from Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative | April 30, 2013

Update on the 2013 SYVPI budget proviso

In prior editions of this newsletter, we reported on a $1.02 million budget proviso imposed on the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative (SYVPI) by the City Council as part of the 2013 adopted budget. The proviso was imposed in response to a request from City Council for an SYVPI logic model and evaluation strategy and a report on the SYVPI risk assessment tool. At its April 3, 2013 meeting, the City Council's Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee voted to approve a recommendation by its Central Staff related to SYVPI and lifting the proviso.

The next step was to refer the matter to the full Council, and on April 22 an ordinance was passed changing appropriations to SYVPI, Department of Parks and Recreation and Human Services Department for the 2013 budget.

In summary, the ordinance divides the funding originally planned for SYVPI by (1) reducing the 2013 appropriation for the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative by $500,000; (2) increasing the appropriation for youth employment programs in Parks and Recreation by $210,000; and (3) increasing the appropriation for youth employment and related mentoring programs in Human Services by $290,000; and (4) removes a budget proviso on funding for the expansion of the Initiative.

The ordinance will take effect 30 days after it is signed by the Mayor. SYVPI staff are currently drafting proposals for expending the SYVPI portion of the proviso funding.

SYVPI Partners attend a training on working with traumatized youth

On April 10 2013, staff from the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative partnering agencies attended a half-day training titled, "Working with Youth Exposed to Trauma: Hands on Tools You Can Use". Jody McVittie of Sound Discipline provided the training to approximately 50 staff members working within the Initiative.

Originally designed for educators working with students in a classroom setting, the training concepts are adaptable for other professionals working with youth exposed to trauma. The training provided participants with practical tools for addressing the emotional-social health of Initiative-enrolled youth, many of whom have experienced trauma.

SYVPI Southeast Network Coordinator Marty Jackson who attended the training stated, "We all know that many of the youth we serve experience trauma. This training has provided me with a better understanding of how an adolescent brain processes trauma and, based on how the brain works, we learned about best practices for interacting with youth affected by trauma. We also learned the clinical terminology to assist in describing and addressing symptoms of trauma."

For more information about Jody McVittie and Sound Discipline, visit http://sounddiscipline.org/index.html or contact info@SoundDiscipline.org.

SYVPI youth highlight: Rosa Diaz

SYVPI-enrolled youth Rosa Diaz

By Holly Greenspoon

Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo

Favorite Snack: Jalapeno Doritos

Favorite Musical Group: UME@6

Rosa is 16 years old and in 10th grade at South Lake High School. Art and drawing are her passions. She dreams of being an art teacher and plans to attend the Art Institute of Seattle after she graduates from high school. By all accounts, through her own hard work and some supportive assistance from SYVPI agency partners and school staff, Rosa is well on her way to reaching her dream.

When Rosa, her younger sister, younger brother and mother moved to the Seattle area four years ago, life quickly became chaotic and insecure. Her family had trouble making rent payments. Her mother struggled through personal challenges, and even getting enough food and clothing was difficult.

About a year ago, while attending school, Rosa was introduced to Danielle, a case manager from Atlantic Street Center (ASC). ASC partners with South Lake High School on programs for youth. Danielle provided Rosa and her family with financial and emotional support in various forms, such as help with rent, food and clothing, and she continues to this day to be a source of support to the family. In addition, Rosa started to see a counselor at ASC who has made a positive difference in her life.

Additionally, Rosa just finished a course on Aggression Replacement Training (A.R.T.)provided by ASC staff. In that class, Rosa and her sister gained knowledge and training on how to better manage stressful and heated moments in life. "When I first started working with Rosa she was very eager to make some positive changes in her life, and she stated she just needed some guidance. She has maxed out on all her goals and continues to strive toward greatness," said Danielle about Rosa.

If you met Rosa these days, you would quickly notice her cheerful and friendly manner. She is confident and passionate about her interests in art. She and her sister have perfect attendance at South Lake High School. They are doing so well in school that they periodically receive awards and special recognition. Danielle of ASC took them both to the inspirational "WE DAY" concert held at Key Arena on March 27.

With the continued involvement and support by SYVPI partner agency staff and Rosa's determination and hard work, Rosa is sure to achieve her goals and dreams.

Holly Greenspoon is an attorney, mom and freelance writer volunteering with SYVPI to collect youth stories. She believes every youth deserves hope and an opportunity to reach their potential.

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Safe Youth, Safe Community is a newsletter published by the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative. Our mission is to prevent and reduce youth violence, which has disproportionately affected communities of color in Seattle, through coordinated community mobilization to identify youth at risk of perpetuating or being a victim of violence and connect them with needed support in reaching their full potential. For more information, please visit our website www.safeyouthseattle.org.