The second partner-initiated event was the first-ever SYVPI Basketball Jamboree held on April 17. Martha Laumoli and Michael Gebrekristos, SYVPI Case Managers with Sea Mar Community Health Centers, were the driving force behind the Jamboree.

"We wanted to put together something different and more in the youth's element, and many youth on our caseloads talk about playing basketball," said Martha. She and Michael sought out SYVPI case managers and outreach workers willing to put their reputations on the line by pitting their basketball skills against those of their youth clients.

"We were able to bring staff from all three networks-Southeast, Southwest, and Central-along with staff from Powerful Voices, Atlantic Street Center and Consejo Counseling and Referral Service to be a part of our event. It was great to be able to come together and collaborate with the many different elements of SYVPI. The youth, too, came from different areas and despite not having practiced together, played together as a team."  

It was a very close game, with each team leading for a while. The youth played hard and challenged the adults to play against a tough and athletic team. In the second half, the youth were in the lead, but the adults were able to catch up and finished the game with a 57-50 win over the youth.

After the game, food was provided and guest speakers talked about opportunities and overcoming adversity. Attorney and SYVPI Southwest Network case manager Cleo Floyd shared his life story of having been convicted of 65 felonies, then turning his life around to succeed in becoming a lawyer 10 years later. Seattle Police Detective Denise "Cookie" Bouldin also shared her story and encouraged the youth to not allow anything or anyone distract them from their dreams.

"The youth enjoyed themselves, the turn out for the game was more than expected, and all the support from SYVPI staff was great. We can't wait for the next game and are hoping to plan something bigger where more staff and youth can be involved," said Laumoli.

Therapeutic Health Services has selected Michael Garrett-Smalls (shown with arm raised in this picture from last year's International Youth Peace Day event) to be SYVPI's Central Area Network Coordinator. He will be replacing departing long-time Network Coordinator Jamila Taylor. Jamila will stay on with the agency temporarily to help with the transition process. Michael will step into this new role on May 14th.

Michael has worked over the past 15 years in various capacities with Seattle Public Schools and the City's Department of Parks and Recreation. In 2013 he led the SYVPI-funded Madrona Summer Enrichment Academy Community Matching Grant project.